TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review
A decision to give an organization up to $500 for putting on the recent Enviro-Fair in Rimbey has one town councillor up in arms.
At council’s regular meeting last Wednesday, Joe Anglin was the lone councillor to vote against the decision to accept the recreation board’s recommendation and approve an application by Rimbey Ratepayers Association to support the Enviro-Fair.
“It’s about a perceived conflict of interest that exists. I think it’s admirable what they did, but there is a perceived conflict of interest.”
Anglin said the Rimbey Ratepayers Association supported the present council during the election campaign and in so doing should not be eligible to receive the funding.
“I want them disqualified,” he said.
Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson, who later voted in favor of approving the funding for the ratepayers’ group, agreed.
“Politically, I have to agree with Joe,” he said.
CAO Tony Goode said the Rimbey Ratepayers Association meets the criteria of the grant in aid policy.
However, he agreed public perception could be an issue.
“There is a definite perception, no matter how you cut it.”
Blindman Valley Pony Club, the Junior Golf Foundation of Gull Lake, Rimbey Alberta Barrel Racing Association, Rimbey Exhibition Association, Rimbey & District Horticultural Group and Students Against Drinking and Driving were also approved to receive up to $500 through the grant aid policy.
Rimbey & District Old Timers is to receive up to $300.
A written report and financial statement must be submitted prior to approval of any new grant application.
Grants in aid will not be given to any ‘for profit’ organizations or government funded agencies.
Organizations currently receiving a Town of Rimbey property tax exemption are not eligible for a grant in aid.