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Town council raises Fortis franchise fee, defers decision on security cameras in town

During the regular meeting Nov. 7, the Town of Athabasca’s council voted to raise the Fortis franchise fee from six to seven per cent.

During the regular meeting Nov. 7, the Town of Athabasca’s council voted to raise the Fortis franchise fee from six to seven per cent.

The move will increase the franchise fee on Fortis Alberta in the town, a cost generally passed on to its customers.

Chief administrative officer Robert Jorgensen said the increase would make a make a difference of approximately two to three dollars per month on the electrical bill of the average consumer.

Coun. Robert Balay said the increase the fee increase was a good way to recoup costs from institutions that do not pay taxes.

“This is way that we can get some of our expenses that we’re not allowed to in taxes. They’re generally the larger users for power, and so I think it’s a fair way to recoup some of the costs for the town,” Balay said.

However, Coun. John Traynor said he was tired of the town going for tax and fee increases to generate more revenue.

“I understand the need for more revenue. However, I’m tired of paying taxes, I have to tell you, hidden tax or not,” Traynor said, adding neighbours and people he has spoken with are also tired of municipal taxes.

Balay replied by comparing the Athabasca rate to those of neighbouring communities. He said Barrhead and Westlock both have Fortis franchise fees at 12 per cent, while Stony Plain and Spruce Grove are at 20 per cent.

“We are actually more relatively on the low side when you do the comparison across Alberta,” Belay said.

Town council voted to table the possibility of security cameras in the downtown area until its 2018 budget deliberations.

The idea was discussed during the Nov. 7 council meeting in response to a proposition by Athabasca Citizens on Patrol (COPs).

The group seeks to install security cameras, modeled after a similar initiative in Lac La Biche, within the downtown area. The group wants to fund the initiative by splitting the estimated $30,000 cost evenly between the group, the town and Athabasca County.

"Lac La Biche has the blueprint that I believe we can copy for our community here,” said Athabasca COPs president Kevin Mroczek during the meeting. He added that the community there was able to overcome the privacy concerns to make it happen.

Councillors expressed disagreement on the project during the meeting.

Coun. Michael Arychuk said he was definitely in favour of it, citing an instance where local RCMP were only able to prosecute someone using home security footage.

“I understand there’s implications with this system. But giving another tool, I think there’s some opportunities to make this community safer,” Arychuk said.

However, Mayor Colleen Powell said she was opposed to the idea, citing privacy issues.

“If council wants to pursue this that is council’s wish. I’m concerned about privacy issues,” Powell said after the meeting. “I’m concerned about the actual need.”

Town council discussed transit within the region in response to a request for input on rural transportation by the province.

Alberta Transportation sent a letter to the municipality discussing its plans to conduct rural public transportation projects in the coming year and a desire to hear propositions from Athabasca.

Mayor Colleen Powell said the town should look at this with the county, adding that there is a need for more transportation options in the region.

"I know there's a need for it, as Greyhound service becomes more and more minimal,” Powell said. “These things are hideously expensive, and they never make money. And they rarely, if ever, break even. But there is a need there."

Traynor said he would like to take a look at the idea further and moved to have administration arrange for Alberta Transportation to speak to council on the matter. The motion was unanimously supported by council.

“I know the cost, it’s out there. I understand that. But I think with other communities participating in this program and finding value in that, it could be a very good thing for us to look at as a community,” Traynor said.

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