Bentley Council Sets 2025 Schedule, Reappoints Longterm Auditor Despite Rising Costs
Leadership Rotation and Meeting Schedule
The Town of Bentley finalized its leadership rotation and core service contracts for the upcoming year during Tuesday’s organizational meeting. Brenda Valiquette was appointed to the first term of the 2024-2025 Deputy Mayor rotation, effective October 23.
Valiquette will serve until January 22, followed by Dale Grimsdale, Pam Hansen, and Lenore Eastman in three-month increments leading up to the October 2025 election.
Council confirmed that regular meetings will continue on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Residents should note two exceptions: the second Tuesday in November is canceled for budget workshops, and the fourth Tuesday in December is canceled for winter recess.
Why It Matters: The Cost of Oversight
Taxpayers are facing a $37,000 bill for the 2024 municipal audit. While this is a decrease from the $42,157 projected in 2023, the cost has surged 72% since 2020.
Administration reported a lack of competition for the town’s business. A 2023 public tender reached out to six accounting firms, but only RSM Alberta submitted a bid. Other firms cited labor shortages and a lack of capacity for municipal work. RSM has overseen the town’s audits for two decades.
Conversely, assessment costs remain stable. Council reappointed Kevin Bohlken of Wild Rose Assessment Services for the 2025 taxation year at a fee of $15,970.56. This rate has been frozen since 2020, though the current contract expires in March 2025.
Committee Appointments and Regional Strategy
Council distributed representative duties across several regional boards. Key appointments include:
* Emergency Services: Greg Rathjen will serve as the primary liaison for the Bentley District Fire Department, which currently manages over 90 emergency calls per year with 22 volunteers.
* Waste Management: Dale Grimsdale continues as the representative for the Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission, overseeing the transport of 10,000 metric tons of waste to the West Dried Meat Lake landfill.
* Housing: Lenore Eastman was appointed to the Lacombe Foundation, which manages seniors' subsidized housing at Oxford Court.
Council confirmed the town will not rejoin the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP). Members also declined to send a representative to the Sylvan Lake & Area Urgent Care Committee, maintaining a 2023 decision to support the formation of a foundation rather than attending regular advisory meetings.
The Debate: Local Committees and Planning
Procedural discussions touched on the potential revival of a Canada Day Committee. While previously not a town-led initiative, council is considering whether to formally establish a committee to manage future celebrations.
Regarding municipal planning, the town will continue its contract with Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS). PCPS is currently assisting Bentley with the Southeast Area Structure Plan and Land Use Bylaw consolidation.
What’s Next
All appointments and the 2025 meeting calendar take effect immediately. The municipal office remains officially designated at 4918 50th Avenue.
Council’s next priority shifts to the November budget workshops, where members will determine how these service costs and committee goals translate into the 2025 tax rate. There will be no regular council meeting on the second Tuesday of November to accommodate these sessions.