New Bentley Council Appoints Representatives, Sets Meeting Schedule
Bentley’s newly formed town council appointed representatives to more than a dozen regional boards and committees Tuesday night, setting the town's course on everything from waste management to emergency services for the upcoming term.
The appointments were the main order of business at the council’s first organizational meeting on October 28.
Why It Matters
These appointments determine who represents Bentley’s interests on external bodies that directly impact local services. Council members will now sit on committees overseeing the Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission, the Lacombe Foundation for seniors' housing, and the Bentley Municipal Library Board, among others.
Decisions made at these regional tables affect everything from landfill operations and recycling programs to affordable housing options and library funding for the town.
Key Appointments and Committees
Council filled representative and alternate positions for numerous critical groups, including:
* Bentley District Fire Department: A liaison role to work with the 22-volunteer department.
* Lacombe Regional Emergency Management: A committee that coordinates emergency response across the region.
* Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS): A not-for-profit providing land use and subdivision expertise to the town at a reduced rate.
* Red Deer River Watershed Alliance: A non-profit focused on the health of the local watershed.
* Medicine Lodge Ski Hill: Representatives to guide the ongoing development and engagement for the local ski hill.
All members of council were appointed to serve on the town's Municipal Planning Commission and the Bentley Emergency Management Advisory Committee, ensuring the full council has oversight on development and emergency preparedness.
Operational Decisions
Council business will continue to be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The schedule includes a summer recess for the last meeting in July and first meeting in August, and a winter recess for the last meeting in December.
In a procedural move, the council voted to defer some of its mandatory training for up to 90 days, with a completion deadline of January 27, 2026. A strategic planning and budget workshop has been scheduled for November 20 to review financial information and set goals for the term.
Other Business
* Auditor Appointed: Council re-appointed RSM Chartered Accountants as the town’s independent auditor for the 2025 fiscal year. The service will cost the town $40,241. Administration noted that staffing shortages in the accounting industry made finding other bidders difficult.
* Assessor Contract: Wild Rose Assessment Services was re-appointed as the town's property assessor for the 2026 taxation year. The firm has held the contract for over 30 years.
What's Next
The newly appointed councillors will begin attending their respective board meetings immediately. The council's next major task is the budget workshop on November 20, which will lay the financial groundwork for the upcoming year.