A petition started by a Rimbey resident who doesn’t like the idea of the town selling its offices for $1 to the Rimbey Municipal Library board is gathering momentum.
Reuben Giebelhaus said 10 people are circulating a petition requesting council to hold a referendum regarding the sale during the October municipal election.
More than 300 people have signed the petition that states the town offices are assessed at approximately $650,000 and the proposed new town offices in the provincial building will limit access for the disabled and elderly.
Rimbey CAO Tony Goode is checking with the town’s lawyer as to the validity of the questions asked on the petition. He noted that each signature has to be checked to ensure the person is a town resident and at least 18 years of age.
He added at least 240 signatures are needed to be valid.
Goode will bring the lawyer’s comments to council at its next meeting.
Giebelhaus said a decision has yet to be made as to whether the petition will continue to be circulated to obtain more names.
He added the petition was started so the citizens of Rimbey could have an opportunity to provide input as to whether a building they own should be sold for $1 to allow for library expansion.
“I know it gives the impression that I’m down on libraries but it (the sale) doesn’t make economic sense to me. The people in Rimbey own that building. They paid for it. If the town votes in favor of the sale they (council) can go to bed with a clear conscience.”