Bentley Council Reviews Infrastructure Progress and Utility Tax Rates
Council Evaluates Infrastructure and Fees
Bentley Town Council met Tuesday night to review third-quarter performance reports for public works and parks while beginning the review process for 2025 utility franchise fees.
Why It Matters
The decisions made regarding ATCO and Fortis franchise fees directly impact the monthly utility bills of every household and business in Bentley. These fees are essentially a local tax collected by utility companies and paid back to the town for the right to operate on municipal land. Additionally, the third-quarter updates provide the first clear look at whether infrastructure projects stayed on budget through the summer construction season.
Utility Fees Under Review
Council addressed the franchise fee agreements for both ATCO (natural gas) and Fortis (electricity). While the agenda focused on the annual review of these rates, the final percentage set by council determines the amount of revenue the town receives versus the cost residents see on their bills.
Franchise fees are often a point of contention in municipal budgets. If the town chooses to increase the percentage, it generates more revenue for local services without raising property taxes, but it increases the cost of living for residents. If they lower it, the town must find that revenue elsewhere. Currently, council is reviewing these rates to determine if adjustments are required for the 2025 fiscal year.
Infrastructure and Safety Updates
Public Works and the Parks and Safety departments submitted their third-quarter updates. These reports summarize the maintenance of town roads, water systems, and public spaces from July through September.
Key takeaways from the Q3 reports include:
* Public Works: Routine maintenance and preparation for the winter season are underway. Council reviewed the status of local road repairs and water infrastructure health.
* Parks and Safety: Update focused on the maintenance of green spaces and community safety initiatives. These reports ensure that the town is meeting service level agreements established in the spring budget.
Citizen Input and Land Use
While no residents addressed the council during the formal meeting, the town is preparing for significant public feedback regarding the Land Use Bylaw. A public information session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This session focuses on Land Use Bylaw amendments, which dictate how property can be developed and used within town limits. Residents are encouraged to attend this session to provide direct feedback before any changes are codified into law.
Routine Business
Council approved the prepaid cheque listing, covering cheques No. 20240744 to 20240777. This is a routine procedural step to ensure transparency in municipal spending. Council also reviewed highlights from the September 26 Lacombe County Council meeting to stay aligned with regional partners.
What’s Next
Residents should prepare for the annual yard waste clean-up scheduled for Friday, October 18. This is the final scheduled opportunity for curbside collection of organic yard waste before winter.
Decisions regarding the specific percentages for the 2025 ATCO and Fortis franchise fees are expected in the coming weeks. Once finalized, any changes to these rates will be reflected in utility bills starting in the new year. The next regular meeting of council will continue the 2025 budget planning process.