HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-06 2017 Budget Narrative - Final2017 FINAL BUDGETCOUNTY OF NEWELL
COUNTY OF NEWELL, ALBERTA, CANADA
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
GFOA Award for Distinguished Budget Presentation ................................................................................................................... 3
Community Profile ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Organization Profile ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Budget Policy and Principles ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Accounting Practices .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Budget Planning Priorities and Issues .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Budget Highlights ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Revenues .................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Expenditures .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Staffing Summary ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Tangible Capital Assets Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Debt Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Restricted Surplus Summary ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
BUDGET BY FUNCTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 21
00 – General Government .......................................................................................................................................................... 22
11 – Legislative ........................................................................................................................................................................... 23
12 – Administration ................................................................................................................................................................... 24
14 – Corporate Safety ................................................................................................................................................................ 34
23 & 24 – Fire & Emergency Services ......................................................................................................................................... 37
26 – Bylaw Enforcement ............................................................................................................................................................ 43
31 – Fleet Services ..................................................................................................................................................................... 45
32 – Roads, Streets, Walks & Lighting ........................................................................................................................................ 47
33 – Airport ................................................................................................................................................................................ 51
41 – Water ................................................................................................................................................................................. 52
42 – Waste Water ...................................................................................................................................................................... 54
43 – Waste Management ........................................................................................................................................................... 56
51 – Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) ................................................................................................................ 57
61 – Planning & Development ................................................................................................................................................... 58
62 – Agricultural Services (ASB) ................................................................................................................................................. 63
63 – Community Services ........................................................................................................................................................... 69
64 – Economic Development ..................................................................................................................................................... 71
66 – Subdivision ......................................................................................................................................................................... 73
71 – Recreation .......................................................................................................................................................................... 74
72 – Parks & Programs ............................................................................................................................................................... 76
74 – Library ................................................................................................................................................................................ 78
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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APPENDICIES .................................................................................................................................................................................. 79
Appendix I – 2017 Tangible Capital Asset Budget Items ............................................................................................................ 80
Appendix II – 10 Year Fleet & Equipment Replacement by Type ............................................................................................... 81
Appendix III – 10 Year Capital Plan ............................................................................................................................................ 82
Appendix IV – Purchasing Policy ................................................................................................................................................ 83
Appendix V – Investment Policy ................................................................................................................................................. 85
Appendix VI – Tangible Capital Assets Policy ............................................................................................................................. 89
Appendix VII – Restricted Surplus Policy .................................................................................................................................... 94
Appendix VIII – Strategic Priorities ............................................................................................................................................. 98
Appendix IX – Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................... 99
Produced by the Finance Department in cooperation with all County departments. The County of Newell 2017 Final Budget is
available online at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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INTRODUCTION
GFOA Award for Distinguished Budget Presentation
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented a Distinguished
Budget Presentation Award to the County of Newell for the Annual Budget beginning January 1, 2016. In order to
receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy
document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan, and as a communications device.
This award is valid for a period of one year only. We believe our current budget continues to conform to program
requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA to determine its eligibility for another award.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Community Profile
The County of Newell is a rural municipality (5900 sq. km.) located in southeast Alberta in an area bounded by the
City of Calgary 180 km east, 100 km west of the City of Medicine Hat, and 150 km northeast of the City of
Lethbridge. The largest urban communities within the County are the City of Brooks and the Town of Bassano.
The County provides a number of services – directly or jointly with other municipalities – to the residents of the
rural area and Hamlets. These services include general administration, road maintenance, fire protection, garbage
disposal, planning and development administration, agricultural services, recreation and parks, family and
community support services and bylaw enforcement.
The County has a dynamic and diverse economy driven by three pillars: Agriculture; Oil and Gas; and Tourism.
There are approximately 500 primary agricultural producers in the County, and approximately 1500 non‐
agricultural business enterprises within the County and its municipalities.
The County of Newell has a thriving and extensive agricultural base with ready access to Calgary and its global
transportation linkages. With a younger work force and average farm receipts in the range of $100,000 to
$249,999, the region is home to some of the most profitable farmers in Alberta.
The County has one of Alberta’s most active natural
gas fields. There are roughly 30,000 wells in the
County, which accounts for half of all wells in
Alberta, and 37% of all wells in Canada.
Approximately 170 production and service
companies employ 4,000 to 5,000 people in the
energy sector in the region.
Key tourism anchors include Lake Newell ‐ one of
Canada's largest man‐made lakes, Dinosaur
Provincial Park ‐ a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
and recreation activity as diverse as golfing,
boating, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife
watching.
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Organization Profile
County Council
The Council of the County of Newell represents the citizens of the County and provides leadership as the legislative
and policy‐making body for the organization. Council is made up of a Reeve and 9 Councillors who are elected for
a four‐year term.
Reeve: Molly Douglass (Division 9)
Councillors: Clarence Amulung (Division 1) Kelly Christman (Division 6)
Gordon Simpson (Division 2) Ellen Unruh (Division 7)
Anne Marie Philipsen (Division 3) Brian de Jong (Division 8)
Wayne Hammergren (Division 4) Lionel Juss (Division 10)
Tracy Fyfe (Division 5)
Management Team
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) leads a management team responsible for providing recommendations to
Council and coordinating the day‐to‐day operations of municipal staff. The management team also provides vision
and leadership in the annual development and implementation of Council initiatives. The management team
consists of the positions illustrated below.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Budget Policy and Principles
Budget Process
On an annual basis, Council considers a proposed operating budget and a ten‐year capital forecast and adopts the
operating and capital budgets for the coming year. The budget process involves council, department heads, staff
and the public and takes into account current economic conditions, provincial policy changes and service needs
within the County. Strategic priorities (Appendix VII), as set by Council and management, directly influence the
budget process. In December, Council approves an interim budget which is in effect for part of the coming year.
The final budget is typically approved early in April after final assessment and requisition amounts are known.
August 12, 2016 Council direction provided at pre‐budget meeting
September 30, 2016 Deadline for departmental budget submissions to Finance for review
October 20, 2016 Draft budget issued for Council review
November 3, 2016 Council review of interim budget with Senior Management
November 24, 2016 Council approval of interim budget
April 6, 2017 Council approval of final budget
After the budget is adopted by Council, expenditures are controlled against budget by formal purchasing policies
and financial systems designed specifically to prevent budget overruns. If Council approves additional
expenditures during the year the additional spending becomes an approved budget variance.
Balanced Budget
The County of Newell, under the Municipal Government Act, is required to have a balanced budget. Expenditures
may not exceed the total of revenues, transfers from restricted surplus and proceeds from debt.
Financial performance is monitored through monthly budget variance analysis at the functional level.
Policies
The County has policies in place which govern expenditures, investments, tangible capital assets and restricted
surplus funds. A copy of these policies is included in the Appendices.
Purchasing Policy
The County ensures that consistent procedures are followed for purchases through Purchasing Policy 2011‐PAD‐
051 (see Appendix IV) which sets expenditure limits for the County. The policy ensures that items purchased have
been approved through the budget process or by separate resolution of Council.
Investment Policy
The County’s savings are invested in accordance with Investment Policy 2014‐PAD‐032 (see Appendix V). This
policy has as its objectives the preservation of capital, maintenance of liquidity and the realization of a competitive
rate of return. Municipal investments are governed by restrictive legislation under the Municipal Government Act.
The County’s investment policy meets all of these requirements.
Tangible Capital Assets Policy
Tangible capital assets are defined as assets having a useful life that extends beyond one fiscal year, are used on a
continual basis, are not for resale in the ordinary course of operations and are held for use in the production or
supply of County goods and services. The County’s Tangible Capital Assets Policy 2014‐PAD‐055 (see Appendix VI)
follows Public Sector Accounting Standards when accounting for and reporting tangible capital assets in its
financial statements.
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COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Restricted Surplus Policy
The County has established specific restricted surplus funds, through Restricted Surplus Policy 2017‐PAD‐062 (see
Appendix VII), to provide for emergent financial needs, stabilize tax rates, set aside funds for the replacement of
vehicles, machinery, equipment, infrastructure and facilities and to minimize its financing needs. Maintaining
financial health and stability is the guiding principle behind this policy.
Accounting Practices
The accounting practices of the County conform to Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for local
governments and the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in
accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards.
The accrual basis of accounting records revenue as it is earned and measurable. Expenses are recognized as they
are incurred and measurable based upon receipt of goods or services and/or the legal obligation to pay. The 2017
budget has been prepared on this basis.
Funds from external parties and earnings thereon restricted by agreement or legislation are accounted for as
deferred revenue until used for the purpose specified.
The County reports based on one main operating fund. Revenues and expenses are shown on a segmented basis,
based upon functional activities provided by the County, in Schedule 1 of the annual audited financial statements.
Capital transactions are shown in the Statement of Cash Flows with supporting schedules that provide detail for
the capital transactions. Tangible capital assets are recorded at cost which includes all amounts that are directly
attributable to acquisition, construction, development or betterment of the asset. The cost, less residual value, of
the tangible capital assets is amortized on a straight‐line basis over the estimated useful life of the tangible capital
assets.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Municipal Government Act requires Council to adopt a budget for each calendar year. This
document provides the supporting information for the 2017 Final Budget, which was approved
by Council on April 6, 2017.
Municipal governments are required by law to have balanced budgets. Current revenue, including transfers from
restricted surplus and proceeds from debt, must be sufficient to support current expenditures. The 2017 Final
Budget includes $1,400,675 in net transfers from restricted surplus to balance the budget.
Budget Planning Priorities and Issues
Maintain Service Levels and Infrastructure: The 2017 Budget places priority on maintaining current service levels
and appropriate levels of re‐investment in the County’s infrastructure.
Provincial Policy Changes: Recent policy changes at the Provincial level have been considered throughout the
budget process. It is estimated that the new carbon tax implemented by the Province will cost the County $40,000
in 2017 and $58,000 in 2018. As well, provisions have been made to begin working towards the mandatory
Intermunicipal collaboration objectives of the Modernized Municipal Government Act. $100,000 has been
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
PROPERTY TAXES $42,470,808 $43,267,310 $43,457,273 $45,477,536 $2,210,226 5.11%
LESS: REQUISITIONS $13,422,981 $13,439,931 $13,664,960 $13,105,572 ($334,359)(2.49%)
NET MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAXES $29,047,827 $29,827,379 $29,792,314 $32,371,964 $2,544,585 8.53%
SPECIAL LEVIES $3,767,835 $442,963 $1,114,709 $3,112,835 $2,669,872 602.73%
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $2,199,786 $2,584,290 $2,613,279 $2,354,892 ($229,398)(8.88%)
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $724,937 $378,624 $413,248 $395,074 $16,450 4.34%
GRANTS FOR CAPITAL $16,044,107 $3,582,342 $3,868,559 -($3,582,342) (100.00%)
OTHER $5,358,463 $1,437,207 $3,188,068 $1,471,349 $34,142 2.38%
TOTAL REVENUE $57,142,954 $38,252,805 $40,990,176 $39,706,114 $1,453,309 3.80%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $7,451,402 $8,319,137 $7,430,179 $8,410,144 $91,007 1.09%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $4,040,966 $4,748,440 $3,725,751 $4,900,998 $152,558 3.21%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $3,966,502 $4,954,203 $3,985,928 $5,799,044 $844,841 17.05%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $4,892,329 $4,103,102 $4,264,050 $5,146,293 $1,043,191 25.42%
BANK CHARGES & SHORT-TERM INTEREST $4,246 $4,500 $5,370 $8,000 $3,500 77.78%
INTEREST ON LONG-TERM DEBT $735,351 $684,025 $670,082 $552,861 ($131,164) (19.18%)
OTHER EXPENDITURES $9,285 $20,000 $1,158,711 $20,000 -0.00%
AMORTIZATION $5,744,761 $5,670,089 $6,227,082 $6,576,370 $906,281 15.98%
TOTAL EXPENSES $26,844,842 $28,503,496 $27,467,155 $31,413,710 $2,910,214 10.21%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $30,298,112 $9,749,309 $13,523,021 $8,292,404 ($1,456,905) (14.94%)
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $5,744,761 $5,670,089 $6,227,082 $6,576,370 $906,281 15.98%
CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($13,407) - ($710,756)--0.00%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($738,100) - $152,879 --0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES ($14,495,651) - $2,814,154 --0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS $20,795,716 $15,419,398 $22,006,380 $14,868,774 ($550,624)(3.57%)
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($24,722,017) ($12,177,100) ($11,663,228)($11,273,930)$903,170 (7.42%)
CASH PROVIDED (USED) IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES $1,560,521 ($4,905,330) ($5,697,414)($4,995,519)($90,189)1.84%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($2,770) ($1,663,032) $4,573,206 ($1,400,675)$262,357 (15.78%)
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $35,889,223 $8,850,633 $13,675,827 $11,698,747 $2,848,114 32.18%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($15,415,334) ($10,513,665) ($10,345,332)($13,099,422)($2,585,757)24.59%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $20,473,889 ($1,663,032) $3,330,495 ($1,400,675)$262,357 (15.78%)
NET FUNDING ($20,476,659) - $1,242,711 - - 0.00%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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included in the budget for preparation of Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework’s (ICFs) and $130,000 for
updating Intermunicipal Development Plan’s (IDPs) and the County’s land use bylaw.
User Pay Philosophy: Water and wastewater rates have increased by nearly 5%. These rate increases continue
the trend of shifting the responsibility for utility system costs to the direct beneficiaries of the systems and away
from the general property tax payer.
Equitable Funding of Recreation: The regional nature of recreation services has been recognized in the 2017
Budget. Individual recreation area mill rates, which in 2016 varied from a low of 0.0244 mills (Patricia) to a high of
0.3011 mills (Tilley), have been eliminated and have been replaced with an increase in the municipal mill rate
across all assessment categories of 0.50 mills. This change provides for more equitable funding of recreation
services regardless of where property is owned within the County. The funds from this net mill rate increase will
be used to support the 2017 recreation operating budget and raises an additional $1.4 million which will be saved
in the newly created Recreation restricted surplus fund.
The Recreation Fund has been established to build funds for future replacement, or new construction, of
recreation facilities within the region and was one of the main outcomes of the 2016 Recreation Review. The
Recreation Review identified 91 facilities in the region which require significant subsidies from property tax
revenues to cover their annual expenses. Limited amounts have been saved for future replacement of these
facilities which have an estimated future replacement cost of $358 million and an average remaining useful life of
25 years. The $1.4 million that will be raised and set aside in 2017 begins to address the funding deficit for these
facilities.
Budget Highlights
Operating expenses are budgeted to increase by $2,910,214 in 2017, an increase of 10.21% over 2016. The most
significant increase relates to a one‐time transfer in Recreation of $1,000,000 to the City of Brooks to support
improvements on the City’s leisure centre. This transfer will be funded out of restricted surplus from the Regional
Enhancement Fund. In addition, $906,281, of the operating budget increase is due to higher amortization charges
related to new rural water lines and other infrastructure that have been brought into service. Although
amortization is a non‐cash expense the County funds a portion of amortization each year with the amounts being
saved in various restricted surplus
funds to support future tangible
capital asset replacements.
Tangible capital asset expenditures
are budgeted at $11,273,930,
which is a significant decrease
from prior years. The County is
nearing the end of a major phase
of capital investment in the region.
Restricted Surplus funds are
expected to decrease by $1.40
million in 2017. This is normal as
funds are built up in some years
and used in others to avoid spikes
in tax rates.
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Revenues
The major categories of the County’s revenues are described below.
Net Municipal Property taxes include all property taxes
less requisitions of the Alberta School Foundation Fund and
Seniors Foundation. Property taxes are assessed to
properties within the County based on an assessment value
of the property multiplied by a mill rate approved by
Council. Property taxes continue to be the most significant
source of revenue for the County. The 2017 net municipal
tax increase of 8.53% shown here does not consider the
elimination of individual recreation area mill rates, which
have been included as Special levies in the past, the
elimination of which saves property owners approximately
$313 thousand compared to 2016. When this is taken into
account the overall impact is a 7.42% net increase in property taxes and recurring special levies for 2017.
Special levies include local improvement taxes and, prior to
2017, also included recreation levies. Local improvement
taxes will vary depending on the local improvement
projects being completed in any given year. Recreation
levies were eliminated for 2017 and replaced with a 0.50
mill increase to the municipal tax rate across all assessment
categories.
Sales of goods and services includes fees based on usage.
The County charges fees for a variety of goods and services
such as water and wastewater, dust abatement, custom
work, weed control, equipment rental, campground fees as
well as for the provision of bylaw enforcement and
corporate safety services to other municipalities within the
region.
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Grants for operating include various grants received from
other levels of government used to support operating
activities. Significant grants expected to be recognized in
2017 include a $183,000 agricultural service board grant,
MSI operating grant of $182,676 and $18,000 Fire Services
grant.
Grants for capital include various grants received from
other levels of government used to invest in capital
projects. No new capital grants are expected in 2017.
However, the County expects to receive MSI funding for
projects which have been completed previously and funded
internally in advance of MSI capital grant receipts. As of
December 31, 2016, the County had accrued MSI funding
receivable of $12.4 million for previously approved and
completed projects.
Other revenue this category includes gains and interest
earned from the County’s investments as well as other
recovered costs and miscellaneous revenues.
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Expenditures
The major categories of the County’s expenditures are described below.
Salaries, wages and benefits include the regular payments
made by the County to its salaried and hourly employees.
This category also includes the costs of pension,
employment insurance, WCB and insurance premiums for
the various benefit programs provided by the County. In
addition to funding new positions, the final budget
includes a 2.0% cost of living increase and includes a
provision for merit increases.
Contracted and general services include expenditures made
for professional services such as assessment, legal, audit,
engineering as well as general services such as training,
insurance, phone and advertising.
Materials, goods, supplies and utilities includes
expenditures for a variety of items such as fuel and oil,
gravel, salt and sand, chemicals, parts, IT hardware, office
supplies and gas, water, and electric utility charges.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Transfers to organizations include transfers made to
recreation boards, fire associations, library boards and
other local municipal governments. Transfers of insurance
proceeds received for the fire at the Duchess Soccer Centre
were transferred to the Village of Duchess in 2013 ($1.4
million), 2014 ($63 thousand) and 2015 ($1.1 million) and
account for the large variance in actual figures for 2013 and
2015.
Interest on long‐term debt includes required interest
payments on outstanding long‐term debt.
Other expenditures include a provision for bad debts on
property taxes and other items not included in any of the
expense categories described above. A policy change in
2016 resulted in $1.1 million being included in other
expenditures related to a one‐time payroll expense
recognizing the value of non‐union employees accrued sick
time.
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Amortization includes the estimated reduction in the value
of the County’s tangible capital assets for the year. A
portion of the annual amortization charge is allocated to
various restricted surplus funds each year as outlined in the
County’s restricted surplus policy.
Acquisition of tangible capital assets includes
expenditures on non‐financial assets such as roads, sewers,
water systems, buildings, vehicles, machinery and
equipment.
Net debt proceeds (repayment) this category includes new
debt issues offset by required debenture principal
payments.
Net transfers to (from) restricted surplus include transfers
to/from restricted surplus funds which are intended for
funding a variety of different items which are detailed in
the County’s restricted surplus policy.
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Staffing Summary
The final budget includes a net overall decrease of 2.10 full‐time equivalent employees (FTE). New FTE’s are
limited to a temporary records management technician. Eliminated positions include the manager of economic
development, one market researcher, a part time shop student and one municipal services seasonal labourer.
Detailed personnel lists and changes from 2016 budget are included as part of each department’s budget detail.
STAFFING BUDGET BY FTE 2014 2015 2016 2017
Budget Budget Budget Budget chg/16 % chg/16
ADMINISTRATION 18.00 17.50 19.27 19.82 0.55 2.9%
CORPORATE SAFETY 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 ‐ 0.0%
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 ‐ 0.0%
BYLAW ENFORCEMENT 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 ‐ 0.0%
FLEET SERVICES 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.00 (0.33) ‐9.9%
MUNICIPAL SERVICES 29.33 30.58 28.29 27.97 (0.32) ‐1.1%
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 ‐ 0.0%
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES 12.46 13.85 13.85 13.85 ‐ 0.0%
COMMUNITY SERVICES 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 ‐ 0.0%
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.25 2.50 2.00 ‐ (2.00) ‐100.0%
PARKS & PROGRAMS 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 ‐ 0.0%
TOTAL FTE POSITIONS 75.87 78.26 77.24 75.14 2.10‐ ‐2.7%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Tangible Capital Assets Summary
The 2017 budget provides for tangible capital asset (TCA) acquisitions in the amount of $11,273,930 which are
summarized below and detailed in Appendix I. TCA are non‐financial assets that have a useful life that extends
beyond one fiscal year, are used on a continual basis, are not for resale in the ordinary course of operations, and
are held for use in the production or supply of goods and services.
TCA acquisitions are funded from a combination of grants, local improvement taxes, restricted surplus funds and
general tax revenues. Existing vehicles, machinery and equipment are replaced at the end of their useful lives as
needed and are funded from the vehicles, machinery and equipment restricted surplus fund. New vehicles,
machinery and equipment are funded from general tax revenues.
Significant TCA additions budgeted for 2017 include:
$3,000,000 – Redelback local improvements
$1,915,400 – Storage facility
$1,850,000 – Gravel road reconstruction
$1,500,000 – Drainage projects
$717,190 – Fire Tender Units
$275,000 – Railway crossing improvements
Type Total Budget
Buildings 1,941,440
Engineered Structures 6,877,800
Land Improvements 75,000
Machinery & Equipment 1,027,500
Vehicles 1,352,190
TOTAL 11,273,930
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Debt Summary
Debt levels are projected to decrease by $5,143,000 to $20,809,336 by the end of 2017 as regular payments on
outstanding debt are made. Approximately $640,000 in new debt issues are anticipated for 2017 to support the
hamlet of Tilley sanitary and potable water infrastructure upgrades. The County remains below its 2016 debt limit
of $54,325,790. The flexibility of the County to finance future projects through debt is limited by Section 276(2) of
the Municipal Government Act which defines the debt and debt limits the County is subject to.
Details of current debt as well as the estimated debt and debt servicing limits are listed below:
The debt limit is calculated at 1.5 times revenue of the County (as defined in Alberta Regulation 255/00) and the
debt service limit is calculated at 0.25 times such revenue. Incurring debt beyond these limitations requires
approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. These thresholds are guidelines used by Alberta Municipal Affairs to
identify municipalities which could be at financial risk if further debt is acquired. The calculation does not
represent the financial stability of the County. Rather, the financial statements of the County must be interpreted
as a whole.
Estimated principal and interest repayments are due as follows:
Bylaw
Number Project Supported Interest
Maturity
Date
2016 Ending
balance
2017 Ending
balance
1437‐03 Newell Foundation 5.500% 2018 1,537,922 789,542
1224‐97 Patricia Water Treatment Plant 7.125% 2017 6,331 ‐
1731‐11 Rural Water Distribution 2.269% 2022 7,164,555 5,927,155
1731‐11 Rural Water Distribution 2.177% 2022 3,128,856 2,635,195
1731‐11 Rural Water Distribution 2.756% 2023 3,640,897 3,162,490
1797‐14 Rural Water Distribution 1.637% 2019 4,878,033 3,278,458
1797‐14 Rural Water Distribution 1.124% 2020 4,826,749 3,640,273
1784‐13 Scandia Water & Wastewater 3.406% 2034 638,849 611,618
1788‐13 Rolling Hills Lift Station 3.406% 2034 130,153 124,605
1867‐16 Tilley Sanitary & Potable Water TBD 2043 ‐ 640,000
TOTAL DEBT OUTSTANDING 25,952,345 20,809,336
DEBT LIMIT (2016) 54,325,790 54,325,790
% DEBT LIMIT USED 47.8% 38.3%
DEBT SERVICING 6,336,321 6,336,321
DEBT SERVICING LIMIT (2016) 9,054,298 9,054,298
% DEBT SERVICING USED 70.0% 70.0%
Year Principal Interest Total
2017 5,783,010 553,311 6,336,321
2018 5,927,727 439,668 6,367,395
2019 5,233,725 300,703 5,534,428
2020 3,651,441 210,080 3,861,520
2021 2,482,391 141,724 2,624,115
Thereafter 3,485,195 420,680 3,905,875
26,563,490$ 2,066,165$ 28,629,655$
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Future debt repayments are illustrated in the charts below. The bulk of the County’s current debt is expected to
be repaid by 2024.
The debentures issued in recent years to fund the rural water project have resulted in a steep increase in the debt
per capita held by the County. This is a temporary increase which began to improve in 2016, and will continue to
improve as debt repayments are made with limited additional borrowing anticipated.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Restricted Surplus Summary
The County’s Restricted Surplus Policy 2017‐PAD‐062 establishes specific restricted surplus funds to provide for
emergent financial needs, stabilize tax rates, set aside funds for the replacement of equipment, machinery,
vehicles, infrastructure and facilities and minimize the financing needs of the County. Restricted surplus funds
offer liquidity which enhances the County’s flexibility in addressing operating and capital requirements. The level
of restricted surplus will vary for a number of reasons including:
Services provided by the County
Age and condition of infrastructure, inventory of fleet and vehicles supporting County operations
Internal debt and restricted surplus policies
Economic conditions and projections
Projected restricted surplus fund balances and the purpose for each fund is summarized below.
Restricted Surplus Funds
December 31, 2017 estimated ending balance
2016 ending Additions Withdrawals 2017 ending
VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT FUND 8,359,816 1,402,710 (700,000) 9,062,526
FACILITIES FUND 2,688,639 241,447 ‐ 2,930,086
INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 28,282,967 3,214,817 (357,800) 31,139,984
FUTURE PROJECTS FUND 26,086,018 ‐ (7,629,317) 18,456,701
UNEXPENDED BUDGET FUND 281,178 ‐ (41,500) 239,678
REGIONAL ENHANCEMENT FUND 3,390,161 2,398,615 (3,398,615) 2,390,161
FIRE APPARATUS FUND 3,224,453 928,800 (892,190) 3,261,063
PAVING FUND 6,501,897 2,095,350 (80,000) 8,517,247
TILLEY FUND 50,662 ‐ ‐ 50,662
RECREATION FUND 1,417,008 ‐ 1,417,008
STABILIZATION FUND 5,762,969 ‐ ‐ 5,762,969
Total 84,628,760 11,698,747 (13,099,422) 83,228,085
Net Change in Restricted Surplus (1,400,675)
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 20
Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment Fund
Established to provide funds for the scheduled replacement of existing vehicles, machinery, equipment and office
furnishings when they reach the end of their useful lives. Funding is provided through an annual transfer of not
less than 100% of the annual amortization on the County’s vehicles, machinery and equipment classes of tangible
capital assets, in addition to any proceeds from the disposal of these assets.
Facilities Fund
Established to provide funds for the rehabilitation or replacement costs of existing County buildings, recreational
facilities and parks when they reach the end of their useful lives. Funding is provided through an annual transfer of
not less than 50% of the annual amortization on County buildings, recreational facilities and parks.
Infrastructure Fund
Established to fund the rehabilitation or replacement costs of existing County infrastructure, such as roads and
bridges, when it reaches the end of its useful life. Funding is provided through an annual transfer of not less than
50% of the annual amortization on the County’s infrastructure. This fund helps meet the County’s goal of limiting
borrowing for replacing existing infrastructure.
Future Projects Fund
Established to build funds to support new programs, capital purchases and projects planned to be completed in
future years. These savings are used to help fund expansion with minimal debt financing. Funding is provided
through an annual transfer as determined in the approved budget.
Unexpended Budget Appropriation Fund
Established to provide funds for specific programs and projects included in the budget but not completed by year‐
end in order to avoid double taxation on these items. The unspent portion of the annual budget pertaining to the
specific program or project being carried forward must be approved by Council.
Regional Enhancement Fund
To extend the regional collaboration philosophy of the Regional Enhancement & Cooperation agreement and build
funds to support capital projects that have a regional benefit, on a cost‐shared basis, with the other municipalities
within the County.
Fire Apparatus Fund
Established to build funds for future replacement of fire apparatus of the various fire districts within the County.
Funding is provided through an annual transfer based on the fire capital plan as determined in the approved
budget.
Paving Fund
Established to build funds to be used specifically for paving County roads. Funding is provided through a special
paving tax assessed annually at a mill rate of 0.5000 to all applicable properties in the County. These funds must
be used for paving projects as outlined in the Municipal Government Act (MGA) section 386(1).
Tilley Fund
This fund accommodates Order in Council 250/2013 which dissolved the Village of Tilley and requires the County
to use the money received from the Village on its dissolution, and any money received from the sale of any assets
of the Village sold by the County before December 31, 2018 only for the purposes of paying or reducing a liability
of the former Village, or for projects in the former area of the Village.
Recreation Fund
Established to build funds for future replacement, or new construction, of recreation facilities within the region of
the County.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Stabilization Fund
Established to provide for unanticipated expenditures of a non‐recurring nature and/or meet unexpected increases
in costs. This fund is to be maintained with a minimum balance that does not fall below 10% of the current year
operating budget expenses and is funded through an annual transfer as determined in the approved budget.
BUDGET BY FUNCTION
The County divides its operations by the various functions which provide services throughout the County. The
budgets by function that follow summarize the services and programs provided by each function, as well as key
accomplishments of the current year and key priorities for the coming budget year.
The bottom line for each function, Net funding/(draw), indicates the amount of property tax revenue needed to
fund the services provided by each function.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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00 – General Government
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Net municipal taxes are accounted for under the General Government function. This includes gross taxes received
on all assessment types reduced by requisitions for the public and separate schools as well as the Newell
Foundation.
The 2017 budget projects an increase in municipal tax revenues collected of approximately $2.54 million over
2016. The increase in municipal taxes will be split among the various property types and is achieved through
increases to the mill rates for the various assessment categories as follows:
Residential – Increase of 0.5678 mills or $56.78 for every $100,000 of assessed value
Farmland – Increase of 0.7686 mills or $76.86 for every $100,000 of assessed value
Non‐Residential – Increase of 0.6481 mills or $64.81 for every $100,000 of assessed value
In 2011 the County entered a revenue sharing agreement with the urban municipalities within its borders.
Although this agreement expired in 2016 the 2017 budget includes $2,398,615 to support projects that have a
regional benefit, on a cost‐shared basis, with the other municipalities within the County.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
PROPERTY TAXES $42,470,808 $43,267,310 $43,457,273 $45,477,536 $2,210,226 5.11%
LESS: REQUISITIONS $13,422,981 $13,439,931 $13,664,960 $13,105,572 ($334,359)(2.49%)
NET MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAXES $29,047,827 $29,827,379 $29,792,314 $32,371,964 $2,544,585 8.53%
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $366,008 $181,775 $411,599 $167,000 ($14,775)(8.13%)
GRANTS FOR CAPITAL - - ---0.00%
OTHER $2,732,930 $1,272,509 $1,723,975 $1,290,656 $18,147 1.43%
TOTAL REVENUE $32,146,765 $31,281,663 $31,927,888 $33,829,620 $2,547,957 8.15%
EXPENSES
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES - - $14,880 $15,000 $15,000 0.00%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $2,933,128 $2,341,445 $2,390,165 $2,398,615 $57,170 2.44%
INTEREST ON LONG-TERM DEBT $160,582 $123,600 $113,847 $84,586 ($39,014) (31.56%)
OTHER EXPENDITURES - $20,000 $1,158,711 $20,000 -0.00%
TOTAL EXPENSES $3,093,711 $2,485,045 $3,677,604 $2,518,201 $33,156 1.33%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $29,053,055 $28,796,618 $28,250,284 $31,311,419 $2,514,801 8.73%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES ($13,791,302) - $98,556 --0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS $15,261,752 $28,796,618 $28,348,840 $31,311,419 $2,514,801 8.73%
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES - - --- 0.00%
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES $2,251,000 - ($18,632,343)-- 0.00%
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
INCREASE (DECREASE) DEPOSIT LIABILITIES $10,299 - ($45,117)--0.00%
NET DEBT PROCEEDS (REPAYMENT) $5,212,463 - ($746,967)--0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES $5,222,762 - ($792,085)-- 0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $22,735,514 $28,796,618 $8,924,412 $31,311,419 $2,514,801 8.73%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $10,286,298 $1,963,295 $6,174,330 $3,268,046 $1,304,751 66.46%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - -($2,398,615)($2,398,615)0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $10,286,298 $1,963,295 $6,174,330 $869,431 ($1,093,864) (55.72%)
NET FUNDING $12,449,216 $26,833,323 $2,750,082 $30,441,988 $3,608,665 13.45%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 23
11 – Legislative
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
GOVERNANCE
The Legislative function provides for the direct costs of operating Council and a variety of committees.
Council is responsible for setting direction, establishing organizational priorities, approving policies and allocating
resources through the annual budget approval process.
The geographic area encompassed by the County of Newell consists of 10 electoral divisions which are represented
by one elected Councillor who must reside within the Division. Councillors serve for a period of four years
between elections.
The title for the Chief Elected Official for the County of Newell is “Reeve”. That individual is elected by Council
during the organizational meeting following the local election and on an annual basis thereafter. In addition to the
election of the Reeve and the Deputy Reeve, appointments to a variety of Council committees also occur during
the annual organizational meeting. By virtue of their election as a Councillor, each member of Council also serves
as a Fire Guardian and is a Commissioner for Oaths.
Attendance at Council meetings is required unless otherwise excused. Members of Council must vote on all
matters being considered by Council unless they have a clear conflict of interest on a particular matter being dealt
with. Regular meetings of Council are held twice a month with the schedule subject to ratification by Council
during the annual organizational meeting.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $358,537 $326,000 $345,624 $338,000 $12,000 3.68%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $117,453 $156,900 $109,080 $186,060 $29,160 18.59%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $1,629 $21,500 $11,204 $48,450 $26,950 125.35%
TOTAL EXPENSES $477,619 $504,400 $465,908 $572,510 $68,110 13.50%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($477,619) ($504,400) ($465,908)($572,510)($68,110)13.50%
NET FUNDING ($477,619) ($504,400) ($465,908)($572,510)($68,110)13.50%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 24
12 – Administration
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Administration is comprised of the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO’s) office, the Executive, Finance and
Information & Technology departments.
The CAO’s OFFICE is Council’s direct link to administration. The CAO is responsible for co‐ordinating Council
meeting agendas, providing recommendations on matters that Council direction is required on, assisting Council in
the Strategic Planning process, initiating actions necessary for the implementation of strategic priorities that have
been set by Council, and other corporate initiatives such as service delivery assessment and service standards.
The EXECUTIVE is the official secretariat for Council and its committees. The division is responsible for corporate
administration; processing, coordinating, and managing Council and Committee business; conducting elections and
referenda; managing the information and privacy program; and managing the corporate records program.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The Finance Department is responsible for the overall management of the financial affairs of the County including:
Budgeting, accounting, audit and financial reporting.
Cash management of approximately $47 million dollars in investments is provided to maximize returns
and provide additional income to the County;
Accounts payable processing;
Payroll coordinates the production of three different payroll groups paid on a bi‐weekly basis and
maintains benefits records for over 100 staff members.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $13,825 $14,500 $11,870 $15,150 $650 4.48%
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $23,470 $28,387 $28,387 -($28,387) (100.00%)
OTHER $193,544 $18,800 $118,567 $66,710 $47,910 254.84%
TOTAL REVENUE $230,838 $61,687 $158,824 $81,860 $20,173 32.70%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $1,932,298 $2,225,668 $2,227,061 $2,353,670 $128,002 5.75%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $961,165 $983,765 $789,321 $1,111,800 $128,035 13.01%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $606,445 $793,525 $579,027 $949,116 $155,591 19.61%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $36,934 $16,061 $82,191 $1,000 ($15,061) (93.77%)
BANK CHARGES & SHORT-TERM INTEREST $4,246 $4,500 $5,370 $8,000 $3,500 77.78%
OTHER EXPENDITURES - - ---0.00%
AMORTIZATION $589,833 $540,282 $620,868 $633,876 $93,594 17.32%
TOTAL EXPENSES $4,130,921 $4,563,801 $4,303,839 $5,057,462 $493,661 10.82%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($3,900,083) ($4,502,114) ($4,145,016)($4,975,602)($473,488)10.52%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $589,833 $540,282 $620,868 $633,876 $93,594 17.32%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($3,544) - $9,530 --0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES $100 - $1,850 --0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($3,313,694) ($3,961,832) ($3,512,767)($4,341,726)($379,894)9.59%
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($205,566) ($1,888,600) ($286,541)($2,401,440)($512,840)27.15%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $4,726 - $3,892 --0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($200,840) ($1,888,600) ($282,649)($2,401,440)($512,840)27.15%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($3,514,534) ($5,850,432) ($3,795,416)($6,743,166)($892,734)15.26%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $533,589 $387,243 $531,586 $468,343 $81,100 20.94%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($180,716) ($1,695,500) ($203,858)($2,267,940)($572,440)33.76%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $352,874 ($1,308,257) $327,728 ($1,799,597)($491,340)37.56%
NET FUNDING ($3,867,408) ($4,542,175) ($4,123,144)($4,943,569)($401,394)8.84%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 25
Property assessment and tax collection. Assessment services determine property values for residential,
farmland, commercial and industrial properties, and co‐ordinates receiving values from the province for
linear properties. Property values are determined by Assessment services on an annual basis and each
residential property is specifically reviewed on a five‐year rotation. Assessment information can be used
in grant funding formulas. Assessment services also answers queries from rate payers and responds to
assessment appeals.
Managing an insurance program that sustains the Municipality’s ability to deliver services to the
community.
Managing debt – all long‐term debenture financing is coordinated with the Alberta Capital Finance
Authority.
Managing Grants – researching available Provincial and Federal grants/funding, working with other
departments within the organization to coordinate eligible projects and submitting annual expenditure
reports
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Submit the 2016 Final Budget for GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program
o Received GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2016 Budget document
Optimize the setup and use of the County’s new financial software
o Implemented electronic funds transfer (EFT) for payables
o Implemented electronic cash receipt import process
o Implemented Pearl time sheet entry/time off scheduler
Implement Virtual County Hall
o Virtual County Hall implementation is in progress and expected to be finalized in early 2017.
Update 10‐year capital plan
o No progress
Excellence in Financial Reporting
o Unqualified audit opinion
o Received GFOA’s Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for the 2015 Annual Financial Report
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Continue to optimize the setup and use of the County’s new financial software
o Implement electronic cheque depositing solution
o Accounts payable import implementation
Assist with developing an Asset Management Plan
Update 10‐year capital plan
Update purchasing policy
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 26
0 100 200 300
Network Administration
Administrative
GIS
Application Admin
Device Management
Top 5 Categories of Opened SRs
IT DEPARTMENT
The IT Department consists of the Director of IT, IT Project Manager, IT Administrative Assistant, two IT Technicians
and a GIS Analyst. The IT Team is committed to assisting the organization in reaching its priorities and this
commitment is reflected in the Department mission statement:
“The IT Department creates and sustains an enterprise level environment that provides effective IT services and
solutions through innovation and growth for the staff and ratepayers of the County of Newell by leveraging new
technologies, information and processes”.
IT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
IT HELP DESK
The IT Help Desk was established to provide improved customer
service and to assist in the management of IT staff workloads.
The IT Help Desk is administered by the IT Administrative
Assistant who is the first point of contact for all IT related
service requests. The IT Department performs a weekly review
on our progress as a department and a monthly review of
individual team member performance.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Achieve an average resolution time of 336 hours or two
weeks for all service requests.
o The IT department received 1,324 service requests in 2014 and 1,181 in 2015. As of September,
2016 the number of service requests received by the IT department was 611. This reduction is
attributed to the completion of IT solutions and the positive impact they have had on the
functionality of IT equipment and the meeting of corporate objectives.
Update the IT help desk software by the end of the first quarter in 2016.
o Key priorities set in 2016 for utilizing and optimizing functionality of service request software,
such as asset inventory, automation, knowledge base and feedback survey were all implemented
in 2016. Meeting these key priorities has increased the department efficiency and service
capacity.
o Alignment of service request categories with staff work plans. This alignment creates a better
relationship between IT accomplishments and IT expenditures.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Continue to improve the response time related to service requests.
With the alignment of categories between service requests and work plans, the IT department expects to
provide reports that will provide greater transparency and understanding of the department.
PROGRAM MEASUREMENTS
As outlined above service requests in 2016 are projected to be less than 1,000. This is a reduction of
between 15% and 25%.
Resolution time has been reduced from 31 days on average in January to an average of 7 days in
November.
Overdue service requests have been reduced by 20%.
This reduction is attributed to the completion of IT solutions and the positive impact they have had on IT service
capacity, the functionality of IT equipment and the meeting of corporate objectives.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 27
AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATION (AVL)
The Automatic Vehicle Location program (CAMS) is used in all
County of Newell fleet. This program provides real time locating
of the County’s fleet and has application for both employee
safety and for service efficiencies. AVL also tracks events and
provides information such as the kilometers of road graded and
locations where roadside spraying has occurred. This
information can then be used to make better business decisions.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Assist Fire in adding CAMS to additional fleet.
o Assisted with replacing 2 AVL units in the Fire fleet.
Route CAMS through the new demilitarized zone (DMZ) for added security.
Work with Alberta Municipal Data Sharing Partnership (AMDSP) to ensure that all information provided to
Red Deer 911 is up to date.
o The process has been reviewed with AMDSP and a formal process is being documented to ensure
the data stays up to date.
Complete the integration between CAMS and GIS allowing for vehicle location and event viewing and
reporting from a single application.
o Integration between the web map and CAMS has been completed. This allows for vehicle
location, event viewing and reporting from a single application.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Assist Fire in adding 3 AVL units to additional fleet.
Work with internal departments to successfully obtain AVL information in the various formats required to
meet business requirements.
Report on AVL data using the Web Map Analytical tool.
PROGRAM MEASUREMENTS
Integration between CAMS and the County Web map has met one of the business requirements identified
in the Newell Systems Integration project. This key integration is expected to reduce/maintain the
current number of CAMS licenses allowing increased viewing of CAMS data outside of the application.
With the CAMS data available in the Web Map environment, analytics can be applied using the Web Map
Analytics tool currently in development. This will increase the reporting capabilities related to this data,
an objective of the Newell Systems Integration Project.
GIS PROGRAM
GIS provides graphic and visual representations of events, assets
and work accomplishments. GIS links with other systems which
allows data from different applications to be viewed and reported
with the visual.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Policy, process and procedures will be put in place to
ensure the system is maintained moving forward.
o Worked with internal departments to develop a
schedule of updates for all publications.
Implement GIS Analytics to provide the visual reporting
necessary to enhance decision making processes.
2016 2017
AVL 55,658 76,624
CELL SERVICE 10,570 14,080
HARDWARE 26,600 45,800
LICENSE(S) 1,850 2,000
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,050 1,050
SOFTWARE 15,588 13,694
TRAINING 0
Grand Total 55,658 76,624
2016 2017
GIS 88,815 81,775
CONFERENCE 1,500
DATA ACQUISITION 7,780 2,500
MEMBERSHIP 275 275
PLOTTER 5,000 5,000
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 42,200 35,400
SOFTWARE 17,560 24,600
TRAINING 2,500 4,000
WEBMAP 12,000 10,000
Grand Total 88,815 81,775
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 28
o Implementation of GIS Analytics has been completed.
o Developed integrations between the web map and the financial system, costing system and
electronic document and records management system.
o Developed a web map accessible online by for the public.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Offer increased mobility options such as Arc Apps for use in the field.
Implementation of ESRI tools included in the County’s ELA licensing, such as Story Maps and Arc Online.
Introduce GIS visuals in our corporate reporting.
Addition of Wastewater, Storm, Signs and Culvert Datasets.
PROGRAM MEASUREMENTS
Added 16 layers to the web map not previously available to County staff including: Emergency Response
Incidents, Cadastral, Water Hydrants, Water Vaults, Water Air Release, Water Flush Points, Water Valves,
Water Facilities, Local Parks, Provincial Parks, Oil and Gas well sites, Oil and Gas Pipelines, and Imagery
back to 2000.
55% of GIS Business Requirements met, up from 20% in pre‐Newell System Integration Project.
MOBILITY
Mobility enables completion of job specific tasks in the field. This
program involves cell phones, tablets, the web map, web
applications and remote access. The budget below does not reflect
the costs related to the web map and web applications, but does
outline the cost of using cell phones, tablets, tough‐books and the
software and licensing required to provide mobility.
KEY 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Completed Mobile Device Management (MDM) for
increased mobile functionality and secure access from
mobile devices.
Provided access to County documentation and files in the
field.
Replaced 15 cell phones.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Expand mobile functionality to include processing of work orders in the field.
Implement the use of GIS centered apps such as ArcMobile.
Replace 22 Tablets as part of the County Refresh Program.
PROGRAM MEASUREMENTS
75% of Newell System Integration Project business requirements have been met.
The IBM Review project of Mobile Device Management was completed in 2016 allowing staff remote
access to the County network, web map viewing, access to Laserfiche documents, remote access to work
orders, timesheets, etc.
2016 2017
MOBILITY 71,325 123,205
CELL PHONE 9,570 5,700
CELL SERVICE 52,450 58,025
DOMAIN 55
HARDWARE 3,200 2,500
LAPTOP(S) 7,500
SOFTWARE 5,800 9,100
TABLET(S) 305 40,325
Grand Total 71,325 123,205
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 29
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION
Community engagement and communication was set as a
strategic priority in both 2011 and 2013. Since then the County
has worked towards improving methods of community
engagement by investing in improved methods to interact and
service the community.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Develop a Regional App to provide a venue for public
service requests.
o Newell Connect App was rolled out in 2016 and has become a valuable part of the County
business process providing increase visibility and responsiveness to public concerns.
o Completion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is vital in protecting the County’s IT
environment while allowing public service options such as Virtual County Hall (VCH), public web
map, and public access to documents.
o Expanded the County’s social media presence with the introduction of Instagram and YouTube.
This expansion also included public campaigns using social media tools and measurement of
program successes through reporting options available.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Implement VCH which will enable customers to access their account information for items such as taxes,
utilities and permits online. VCH will also provide the ability for lawyers, real estate agents and others to
generate tax certificates or searches on any tax property anytime and anywhere.
Implementation of public access to municipal documents. This will provide constituents with online
access to public documents. Currently the County offers several documents on our website, but not all
public documents are available from this location and the posting of these documents require service
capacity to post and maintain.
WORKSTATION REFRESH PROGRAM
The workstation refresh program involves the replacement,
decommission and disposal of individual workstations. This includes
the tower/laptop, monitor(s), UPS, keyboard and mouse.
Workstations are replaced on a three‐year schedule.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Refine the refresh program and processes.
o Replaced 7 workstations.
Finalize position profiles and standardization to allow for improved service.
o Purchased licensing for IT asset management within SysAid (Service Request software) which
automatically captures both hardware and software assigned to each position. The automated
collection of this data has freed up service capacity, provided more accurate capture and increase
accurate replacement of workstations.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Replace 19 workstations.
Audit the IT assets in SysAid to ensure that all assets are reporting as expected.
2016 2017
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4,450 30,550
HARDWARE 1,000
LASERFICHE 2,000 0
MARKETING & PROMOTION 1,500 9,000
SOFTWARE 950 20,550
Grand Total 4,450 30,550
2016 2017
OFFICE 19,125 46,600
WORKSTATION 19,125 46,600
Grand Total 19,125 46,600
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 30
SOFTWARE/APPLICATIONS
Software and applications are a critical part of day‐to‐
day operations. The core applications used by the
County include:
Dynamics GP/Diamond ‐ financial system.
Pearl/WorkTech – assets, job and equipment
costing system.
ESRI – GIS system.
Laserfiche – electronic document and
records management system.
Microsoft Office
Software often has an initial one‐time cost and subsequent ongoing support and maintenance costs. Software
licensing agreements vary. Some is licensed for an individual and only that individual can use it. Sometimes it is
the device that is licensed and the software can only be used on that device. In other cases, many people can use
the software but access may be limited to a certain number of users at any one time. Software is used on
workstations, servers, email, and network switches.
REGIONAL IT
The Regional IT involves providing IT services to other municipalities in the region. Currently the County of Newell
provides Regional IT services to the Town of Bassano.
Regional IT 2013 2014 2015 2016
Regional IT Hours 93 120 105 57
Regional IT Revenue 2,399 4,856 1,931 2,719
Regional IT Cost Recovery 26 40 18 47
Administration, research, development and visit prep time are not billed. The cost of these services are recovered
through the fee expensed for on‐site visits and travel time.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Implement the preventative maintenance program that was developed in 2015.
o A preventative maintenance program was put in place for the Town of Bassano.
Research methods available to create and edit a pdf with an iPad.
Other accomplishments
o Cost recovery in 2016 saw a reduction in subsidization of the Regional IT program. Previous years
were heavily subsidized.
o Remote handling of issues has reduced the number of site visits and time spent travelling, which
has increased responsiveness by reducing the wait times for the municipality
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Replace the IT infrastructure at the Town of Bassano as per their replacement schedule.
Move cloud backup from one provided to another to reduce costs associated with this service.
PROGRAM MEASUREMENTS
Hours required to successfully run the program has been reduced from 128 in 2015 to 60 in 2016. This is
a result of improved administration, preventative maintenance program in place, remote login
functionality removing the need to travel to other communities to address all issues.
Substantial reduction in program subsidization (hours down, revenue up)
2016 2017
SOFTWARE 202,956 199,721
CONFERENCE 6,500 9,500
CUSTOMIZATION 5,000
LICENSE(S) 46,991 25,350
PHONE 2,300
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 15,600 20,600
SUBSCRIPTION 29,840 33,700
SUPPORT 104,025 103,271
Grand Total 202,956 199,721
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 31
SYSTEM INTEGRATION PROJECT
The Management Retreat in 2009 a strategic priority was set “To implement a single entry automated and
integrated system for all Information Technology System applications including finance components…”. As a
result, the System Integration Project was born. Implementation began in 2012. Below is a diagram showing what
the County’s system looked like at that time.
The 2012 current state was full of silos. Where integration existed it was manual or did not work for a variety of
reasons.
Previous State ‐ 2012: Future State:
Future State:
This diagram is of what the County has been working towards since 2012 and displays how the system works
together. Once complete, this system will enable the County to report from any combination of the core systems.
The future state will also provide components for public engagement and interaction that all relates to the core
system. Integrations built will be leveraged. Enforcement system will still be an independent system.
KEY 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The focus in 2016 has been on developing integrations, public facing applications, and on implementation
of automations and efficiencies from the electronic document and records management (EDRM) system.
The System Integration Project is approximately 85‐90% complete.
In 2016 the County introduced asset management, mobility, regional app, and public web map.
Integrations were configured between GIS and the financial system, costing system, electronic document
and records management (ERDM) system and the AVL system.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Completion of the System Integration Project as diagramed above.
The focus in 2017 will be on continued integrations, centralized reporting and applying the automations
and efficiencies gained by the ERDM throughout the organization.
PROGRAM MEASUREMENTS
Pre‐project state met 42% of organizational business requirements. Current state meets 80% of
organizational business requirements with approximately 65% of these currently in production. Post‐
project state is expected to meet 92% of organization business requirements.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Completion of the projects identified through the IBM Review in 2013, which included:
o Network redundancy
o GIS
o SysAid help desk
o IT infrastructure system
o Exchange messaging system
o Desktop image standardization
o Network monitoring and systems
management
o Mobile device management
o Wireless printing
o Backup and recovery strategy
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Website redesign – The current website is not responsive (does not accommodate different screen sizes).
45% of the devices used to visit the County website are mobile devices. The re‐vamp of the website will
allow it to be responsive to all devices. As well the County has introduced a number of community
engagement tools in 2016. The re‐vamp of the County website will allow the inclusion and access to
these tools from the County website.
Cloud computing and storage will begin to be explored. This exploration will allow the County to better
prepare for the future replacement of IT equipment by determining any cost savings or effective service
delivery that could be achieved by moving computing or storage to a cloud environment.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – Council has expressed interest in procuring an unmanned aerial vehicle.
There are many business applications for an UAV. Agricultural Services and Municipal Services would
benefit most from an UAV in replacing services currently outsourced and in providing additional
information that could be used in providing improved or additional services to County citizens.
Fire Suppression Systems – The original construction of the new County Office did not address the need
for fire suppression systems in the IT closets. The purpose for this project is to protect the investment of
IT infrastructure.
ADMINISTRATION STAFFING
The 2017 budget includes an increase of 0.55 FTE over the 2016 budget. This increase relates to a temporary
records management technician position which will assist the County with implementing its digital records
management system.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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ADMINISTRATION STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Chief Administrative Officer 1 1 1 1 ‐
Director of Corporate Services 1111 ‐
Executive Assistant 1 1 1 1 ‐
Records Management Clerk 1 1 1 1 ‐
Records Management Technician (Temporary)‐ ‐ ‐ 0.55 0.55
Project/Administrative Assistant (Term)‐ ‐ 0.77 0.77 ‐
Manager of Finance 1 1 1 1 ‐
Assistant Manager of Finance 1111 ‐
Payroll & Benefits Administrator 1 1 1 1 ‐
Land Assessment Taxation Clerk 1 1 1 1 ‐
Accounting Clerk 1 1 1 1 ‐
Payroll & Finance Support Clerk 1 1 1 1 ‐
Human Resources Coordinator ‐ 111 ‐
Municipal Intern ‐ Finance ‐ 111 ‐
Director of Information & Technology 1111 ‐
IT Project Manager 1111 ‐
GIS Analysts 2 ‐ 11 ‐
Information System Technicians 2222 ‐
IT Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1 ‐
IT Training & Communication Coordinator 1 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
IT GIS Co‐op Student ‐ 0.5 0.5 0.5 ‐
TOTAL FTE 18 17.5 19.27 19.82 0.55
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 34
14 – Corporate Safety
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Corporate Safety Services is responsible to oversee and help manage the County of Newell’s Health and Safety
Management System. Safety personnel work with staff at all levels – senior managers, supervisors and workers –
to ensure that the municipality’s safety directives and safe‐work behaviours meet the organization’s expectations
and that they comply with Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety legislative requirements.
The following components have been considered essential to having an effective health and safety management
system, and they are therefore, the key characteristics in our cooperative and pro‐active effort to provide a safe
and healthy environment for all who enter our facilities or visit our project sites.
1) Management Leadership and Organizational Commitment
2) Hazard Identification and Assessment
3) Hazard Control
4) Work Site Inspections
5) Worker Competency and Training
6) Incident Reporting and Investigation
7) Emergency Response Planning
8) Program Administration
An effective Health and Safety Management System will minimize workplace incidents, although it cannot
guarantee that incidents will never occur on a work site. It also demonstrates due diligence and duty of care in
instances where an accident has occurred.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Health and Safety Management System framework to
make it more responsive to risks, business requirements and operational demands.
o Each of the 8 key Elements within the Health and Safety Manual were reviewed, revised and
approved by the Chief Administrative Officer in 2016.
Achieve greater results in emergency response preparedness by increasing the efficiency, effectiveness
and frequency of emergency response drill scenarios.
Establish a strategy for training new supervisors on the fundamentals of occupational health and safety
responsibilites and legislative requirements.
Grow the County’s health and safety culture through ongoing training and team innovation.
o Education and training activites focused on injury and illness prevention related to workplace
safety and personal health initiatives.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $124,126 $120,000 $125,950 $120,000 - 0.00%
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $52,656 - $44,445 $39,546 $39,546 0.00%
OTHER - - $6,106 -- 0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $176,782 $120,000 $176,500 $159,546 $39,546 32.96%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $286,178 $289,672 $287,732 $297,020 $7,348 2.54%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $7,901 $17,310 $5,477 $23,960 $6,650 38.42%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $4,788 $11,450 $3,767 $19,900 $8,450 73.80%
TOTAL EXPENSES $298,867 $318,432 $296,975 $340,880 $22,448 7.05%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($122,084) ($198,432) ($120,475)($181,334)$17,098 (8.62%)
NET FUNDING ($122,084) ($198,432) ($120,475)($181,334)$17,098 (8.62%)
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 35
Implement a strategy to encourage reporting incidents beyond those that are obvious in hope of better
predicting and preventing incidents.
Encourage reporting all incidents in hope of better predicting and preventing future incidents.
Other accomplishments
o The County’s Health and Safety Management System was measured against the Alberta
Government’s Partnerships Standard in 2014. As a result of staff’s commitment to the system,
the County earned its Certificate of Recognition “Re‐Certification” with a passing grade of 94%.
o The internal audit of 2016 earned a score of 93% supporting continued commitment to a culture
of safety.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Utilize both leading and lagging indicators to help determine inefficiencies and uncontrolled risks that can
be improved through the Health and Safety Management System.
Achieve greater results in emergency response preparedness by increasing the efficiency, effectiveness
and frequency of emergency response drill scenarios.
Implement an occupational health and safety handbook to assist new supervisors understand their roles
and responsibilites and better ensure a compliant health and safety system at the work site.
Grow the County’s health and safety culture through ongoing training and team innovation.
Implement a strategy to encourage reporting incidents beyond those that are obvious in hope of better
predicting and preventing incidents.
Incorporate an Injury & Illness Prevention Plan that integrates wellness into health protection and
promotion.
Pass the external Health and Safety Management System Audit and be issued a new Certificate of
Recognition from the Alberta Government’s Partnerships in Injury Reduction program.
DISABILITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The County of Newell recognizes that an important strategy for controlling costs is reducing the impact – both
human and financial – of workplace injuries and illnesses. The County has implemented a Disability Management
System to help control these costs and the associated Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) premiums. Corporate
Safety Services is responsible for coordinating the County’s medical management efforts, with those of the
Worker’s Compensation Board and health care providers.
It is recognized that an injury, not only affects the worker in the workplace, but can also have an impact on the
family, the social life, the finances, and future goals. We believe in a strategy of getting involved when injury or
illness affects one’s ability to work, and in helping, to get support and professional services to aid in the recovery
process. We work with an injured employee as a team, to identify how best to assist the individual recover,
rehabilitate, and return to meaningful employment that includes participation in a modified work program.
The County’s Disability Management System includes the following six key elements:
1) Management Participation and Leadership
2) Pre‐Placement Screening
3) Injury Response, Reporting, Recording and Investigation
4) Case Coordination
5) Modified Work
6) Program Administration
Like the County’s Health and Safety Management System, this system is about sharing responsibility for the health
and well‐being of all of our employees. It is designed to encourage injury prevention through pre‐placement
screening and it promotes an early and safe return‐to‐work in situations where an injury or illness has occurred.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Continue to strengthen the fundamentals of risk control, injury prevention and disability
management.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 36
Foster the pro‐active identification of activities/work practices that put staff and the County at risk
and control those hazards at the source.
Promote injury and illness prevention and wellness initiatives through physical conditioning and
healthy lifestyles.
Help grow the culture of collaboration and cooperation between management and workers.
o Received Partnerships in Injury Reduction refund from WCB in the amount of $6,105.68 for
improving performance by 11.31% in 2015 compared to 2014.
o Received WCB Surplus Distribution for 2015 in the amount of $21,980.43.
o WCB is projecting a PIR discount of 20% for improving cost performance from 2014‐2016
compared to 2013‐2015.
o Total claim costs have improved by 28.54% when compared to the same measurement
period from this time last year.
o Our disabling injuries per 100 workers have been lower than industry for 3 consecutive years.
At present, 2016 is trending 50% lower than other municipal districts.
o Injury severity rates for temporary total disability days have been lower than industry for 4 of
the past 6 years. There have been no lost time claims for 2016 YTD.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Achieve industry leadership status through claim cost experience improvement.
Strengthen the fundamentals of risk control, injury prevention and disability management.
Foster the pro‐active identification of activities and work practices that put staff and the County at
risk and control those hazards at the source.
Promote injury and illness prevention and wellness initiatives through physical conditioning and
healthy lifestyles.
Help grow the culture of collaboration and cooperation between management and workers.
CORPORATE SAFETY STAFFING
Corporate Safety staffing levels in 2017 are expected to remain consistent with 2016.
CORPORATE SAFETY STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Manager of Corporate Safety Services 1111 ‐
Safety Officer 1 1 1 1 ‐
Fire & Safety Services Administrative Assistant 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 ‐
TOTAL FTE 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 37
23 & 24 – Fire & Emergency Services
23 ‐ FIRE
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Fire & Emergency Services play an important role in the development of a safe community and in business
continuity by providing protection and assurances where we can that we do not have large conflagrations that can
destroy homes, places of work and recreation areas for play. This is accomplished through 10 Fire Halls which are
located throughout the County to aid in a quick delivery of response when the need arises. We also accomplish this
via Mutual Aid so that if required more departments are at the ready to respond then just one.
The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services is responsible for the coordination of fire suppression, fire prevention,
suppression staff education, development of emergency management plans, adherence to the County of Newell
quality management plan through fire inspections, where requested, fire investigations and disaster management.
This is being done by providing assistance to the local fire chiefs and municipalities within the County to provide
ratepayers with effective and affordable emergency services and to meet Council’s commitment to providing a
safe environment in which people can live, work and play.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SPECIAL LEVIES - - ---0.00%
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $26,053 - $4,529 $18,000 $18,000 0.00%
OTHER $239,425 $71,288 $984,056 $49,133 ($22,155) (31.08%)
TOTAL REVENUE $265,478 $71,288 $988,584 $67,133 ($4,155) (5.83%)
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $17,637 $34,018 $26,788 $83,193 $49,175 144.56%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $51,084 $114,221 $69,754 $145,896 $31,675 27.73%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $50,885 $165,440 $104,686 $480,890 $315,450 190.67%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $1,026,519 $806,507 $791,704 $570,740 ($235,767) (29.23%)
AMORTIZATION $19,141 $22,945 $28,926 $40,035 $17,090 74.48%
TOTAL EXPENSES $1,165,265 $1,143,131 $1,021,857 $1,320,754 $177,623 15.54%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($899,787) ($1,071,843) ($33,272)($1,253,621)($181,778)16.96%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $19,141 $22,945 $28,926 $40,035 $17,090 74.48%
CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ($650,905)--0.00%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $2,476 - ---0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES ($70,233) - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($948,403) ($1,048,898) ($655,252)($1,213,586)($164,688)15.70%
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($198,404) ($330,000) ($74,980)($922,690)($592,690)179.60%
CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - $650,905 --0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $9,524 - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($188,880) ($330,000) $575,925 ($922,690)($592,690)179.60%
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES $78,425 - $433,492 --0.00%
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
NET DEBT PROCEEDS (REPAYMENT) - - ---0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($1,058,858) ($1,378,898) $354,166 ($2,136,276)($757,378)54.93%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $1,107,716 $913,845 $1,464,956 $963,669 $49,824 5.45%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($364,455) ($403,700) ($110,951)($892,190)($488,490)121.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $743,261 $510,145 $1,354,006 $71,479 ($438,666) (85.99%)
NET FUNDING ($1,802,119) ($1,889,043) ($999,840)($2,207,755)($318,712)16.87%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 38
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire prevention begins with education. The County supports an annual fire prevention week campaign by providing
educational materials to each fire hall to give out at local events and during school visits supporting safety. These
events and visits are an important part of spreading the fire safety message. Fire prevention week is supported by
the local media. Fire safety messages are also published on the County’s website under “Fire Prevention Material”.
Activity booklets are also available at the County office and to the fire halls upon request.
We have also published and distributed a booklet entitled “Emergency Management – a Guide on How to be
Prepared and What to do When the Emergency is Over” to the local fire halls to be distributed as needed.
Fire permits and fire bans are another form of fire prevention which restrict activities that have the potential to
create issues during periods of dry and dangerous conditions. Fire permits assist fire departments in knowing the
locations of controlled fires and what is being burned which helps to ensure better safety for residents and
property owners.
FIRE SUPPRESSION
The goal of fire services is to prevent fires before they happen. However, there is a need to have suppression crews
that are well trained, coordinated and equipped with modern equipment and personal protective equipment.
Fire suppression training sessions are provided for the volunteer firefighters through in house practices and grant
funded National Fire Prevention Association training. The County is committed to providing quality training,
modern equipment, and current quality standard PPE to ensure the safety of the volunteers who are at the
backbone of this service.
Ten fire halls throughout the County respond to a variety of emergency requests. Approximately 160 dedicated
volunteers support these halls which respond to motor vehicle collisions (MVC), water rescue, fires of all types,
hazardous material responses, alarm calls and medical co‐response.
There has been some discussion centered around the costs of responding to alarm calls and false alarms. These
calls provide some value in terms of providing firefighters with an opportunity to become familiar with the
structure. This familiarization can be invaluable should there be an actual call to the same building, especially
larger structures.
Type of Call
2015
Urban
2015
Rural
2015
Total
2016
Urban
2016
Rural
2016
Total
Fire – Structure 20 626231134
Fire – Vehicle 6 19 25 5 11 16
Fire – Grass/Hay/Straw 5 55 60 3 50 53
Fire – Trash 538202
Fire – Other 19 726271441
M.V.C 32 69 101 25 48 73
Medical 74 51 125 98 49 147
Hazardous Materials 13417527
Carbon Monoxide 011224
Mutual Aid 1 64 65 0 67 67
Alarm Call 178 25 203 183 28 211
Miscellaneous 38 14 52 39 12 51
Total 391 318 709 412 294 706
Incident Responses ‐ All Divisions
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 39
In addition to the ten fire halls the Manager of Fire & Emergency Services is stationed out of the County building
and assists the local chief’s and departments as needed. This position is supported by a half‐time administrative
assistant, who spends the other half of their time as the administrative assistant with Corporate Safety Services.
Total dollar loss as of December 31, 2016, is $1,148,825 compared to the total estimated value of $2,951,900.
VALUE OF OUR VOLUNTEER STAFF
Volunteers provide a valuable service. There is a significant cost savings associated with having volunteer staff
compared to what it would cost to employ full time firefighters. A nominal amount is provided, typically on an
annual basis, to volunteers for the service they provide.
FIRE UNDERWRITERS
The Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) collects information on behalf of the insurance industry which uses the
information for setting insurance rates. The FUS evaluates fire protection levels using a benchmark system that
measures the fire protection services capabilities of within a community. The survey measures the level of fire risk
and fire loading and identifies and quantifies fire risk, hazards, and life safety issues related to fire protection
within a community.
The survey uses a Public Fire Protection Classification system which measures a community’s overall programs of
fire protection. The ability of a community’s fire defenses are measured against recognized standards of fire
protection relative to fire hazard and fire/life safety risk present within the community. Generally, the survey
applies the weights within the grading system as shown in the inset chart. These classifications are conveyed to
subscribing companies of the FUS. FUS subscribers represent
approximately 85 to 90% of the fire insurance underwriters in
Canada. Fire underwriters use this information to set insurance
rates, and as such, it is in the best interest of the County to strive
for the best rating that can possibly be achieved.
The fire insurance industry has minimum requirements that communities must meet for their fire protection
program to receive recognition. Benchmarks have been set for:
Fire Department Organization
Membership
Training
Apparatus Requirements
Fire Suppression Capability
Alarm Notification
Dollar Loss Statistics
2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016
Fire Area Estimated Value Estimated Loss % Loss Estimated Value Estimated Loss % Loss
Bassano 663,500 663,500 100% 18,250 17,250 95%
Bow City 182,150 147,150 81%‐ ‐ N/A
Brooks (Rural calls only) 2,048,500 753,500 37% 628,200 620,200 99%
Duchess 71,600 71,600 100% 6,000 4,500 75%
Gem ‐ ‐ N/A ‐ ‐ 0%
Patricia 94,500 94,500 100% 9,450 9,450 100%
Rolling Hills 5,200 5,200 100% 486,000 35,000 7%
Rosemary 305,500 305,500 100%‐ ‐ N/A
Scandia ‐ ‐ N/A 1,634,700 301,000 0%
Tilley 121,900 121,600 100% 169,300 161,425 95%
Total 3,492,850 2,162,550 62% 2,951,900 1,148,825 39%
Fire department 40%
Water supply 30%
Fire safety control 20%
Fire service communications 10%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 40
The ideal scenario for the level of fire protection occurs when expectations of fire suppression and prevention
match a community’s willingness to pay. However, community growth increases levels of risk which need to be
balanced with protection.
The risk of reducing fire services in any given area is a direct increase in insurance costs and a potential loss of
existing business and new business activity. Reducing fire services greatly increases risk to persons and property
which is contrary to the County’s commitment to provide a safe place to live, work and play.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
When an emergency occurs, it is important to have professionals (including our valued volunteers and other non‐
emergency management staff) prepared, trained and properly equipped to come to the aid of persons and
property in need. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services maintains a County of Newell Emergency Plan which
is shared with the City of Brooks, Town of Bassano and Villages. This position ensures that staff and Council
members are trained to ensure the County can act as a cohesive group to deal with emergencies that may arise.
This local Emergency / Disaster Plan is a mandatory part of the larger Provincial and Federal Government plans.
24 – DISASTER & EMERGENCY SERVICES
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
GRANTS FOR OPERATING - $5,000 -$5,000 -0.00%
OTHER $100 $850 -$850 -0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $100 $5,850 -$5,850 - 0.00%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $165,143 $173,631 $188,427 $178,663 $5,032 2.90%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $12,911 $22,646 $8,052 $21,620 ($1,026) (4.53%)
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $13,313 $18,035 $10,662 $24,585 $6,550 36.32%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS - - -$21,414 $21,414 0.00%
AMORTIZATION $5,021 $5,124 $5,118 $5,124 -0.00%
TOTAL EXPENSES $196,389 $219,436 $212,258 $251,406 $31,970 14.57%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($196,289) ($213,586) ($212,258)($245,556)($31,970)14.97%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $5,021 $5,124 $5,118 $5,124 -0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($191,267) ($208,462) ($207,140)($240,432)($31,970)15.34%
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($2,571) - -($55,000)($55,000)0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($2,571) - -($55,000)($55,000)0.00%
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
NET DEBT PROCEEDS (REPAYMENT) - - ---0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($193,839) ($208,462) ($207,140)($295,432)($86,970)41.72%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $5,021 $5,124 $5,118 $5,124 -0.00%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - -($55,000)($55,000)0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $5,021 $5,124 $5,118 ($49,876)($55,000) (1073.38%)
NET FUNDING ($198,860) ($213,586) ($212,258)($245,556)($31,970)14.97%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 41
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Continue the Fire & Emergency Services Review with our Mini‐Municipalities on fire agreements.
o Meetings were held with our Emergency Services partners to continue on discussions with our
direction of Fire Services.
Continue developing the 20‐year fire apparatus capital replacement plan.
o Adjusted the 20‐year Capital Apparatus replacement plan along with a 5 year apparatus
movement plan.
Work on developing a set of minimum standards for replacement apparatus and requirements for going
above the minimum standards.
Continue to work on a uniform billing practice for emergency calls.
Complete the review of the Newell Emergency Plan.
Work on a Crisis Communications Plan.
Present 12 and 20 year medals to worthy recipients.
o Applied for the 12 & 20‐year Emergency Service Medals for all eligible members.
Complete the NFPA 1001 Level 1 training course.
o Completed the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 1001 Level 1 firefighter training course
over a 6‐month time frame. Several local volunteer firefighters successfully completed the
training.
Prepare to accept operational control of the Tilley Fire Department.
o The County accepted operational control of the Tilley Fire Department effective October 31, 2016.
Order a new tender for our fleet of apparatus to be strategically placed to meet our needs.
o Working on tender documents for the new mobile water apparatus unit.
o Working with Tilley Fire Services on the new Rescue Unit.
Other Accomplishments:
o Completed Emergency Management training centered around the ECC (Emergency Coordination
Centre) and handling of pets. Several persons, including staff, Council members, Provincial staff
and other municipalities’ staff and Council attended the session.
o Applied for FSEPP (Fire Services Emergency Preparedness Program) 2016/2017 (to be completed
by May 31, 2018) Grant funding.
o Gem Fire Department has moved the day to day operational control of the County.
o Added 13 new members to the Scandia Fire station.
o Coordinated SCBA flow testing for all departments.
o Working on moving over to AFRRCS.
KEY 2017 PRIORITIES:
Continue working with the Fire & Emergency Services partners on fire agreements.
Set minimum standards for fire apparatus.
Update the 20‐year fire apparatus capital replacement plan including new additions and apparatus
movement plan.
Complete the review of the Newell Emergency Plan.
Work on a Crisis Communications Plan.
Present 12 and 20 year medals to worthy recipients.
Complete the NFPA 1001 Level 2 training course.
Order a new Tender for our fleet of apparatus to be strategically places to meet our needs.
Assist Tilley Fire in accepting their new Rescue Unit into fleet.
Complete the proposed Scandia Fire Hall Washroom Project.
FIRE APPARATUS FUND
Since 2013 funds have been raised on an annual basis to support the 20‐year fire capital apparatus replacement
program as well as for the purchase of new fire tender units and fire hall construction/renovation projects.
$928,800 will be raised in 2017 to be contributed to the Restricted Surplus Fire Apparatus Fund.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 42
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES STAFFING
Fire & Emergency Services staffing levels in 2017 are expected to remain consistent with 2016.
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Manager of Fire and Emergency Services 1111 ‐
Fire & Safety Services Administrative Assistant 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 ‐
TOTAL FTE 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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26 – Bylaw Enforcement
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
ENFORCEMENT
The Municipal Enforcement Department conducts regular patrols of paved highways and gravel roads, including
those of three digit Provincial Highways, as authorized by the Solicitor General’s office. Education and
enforcement of County bylaws, including but not limited to Provincial Legislation and Regulations such as the
Traffic Act, Liquor & Gaming Act, and Environmental Protection Act, are part of an Officers authority.
Currently the County employs one Community Peace Officer Level 1 ‐ Supervisor and one Community Peace Officer
Level 1 ‐ Officer. Each Officer runs an individual patrol unit, effective for double shift initiatives or overlapping split
shifts.
Education is the primary objective of this department. However, where repeat offenders or the severity warrants
enforcement will take place.
MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIPS
The Municipal Enforcement Department has partnered with other municipalities and agencies within the region.
These include the Villages of Duchess & Rosemary, and Town of Bassano, as well as the Eastern Irrigation District.
The department provides enforcement of local bylaws including Provincial Legislation and Regulations.
Approximately 756 hours are provided on an annual basis to enforcement for these partner municipalities and
agencies. In 2016 a new partnership with Hussar was formed and is working well.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $102,603 $288,000 $139,972 $115,600 ($172,400) (59.86%)
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $38,130 - $38,130 $38,130 $38,130 0.00%
OTHER ($14,298) - ---0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $126,435 $288,000 $178,102 $153,730 ($134,270) (46.62%)
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $198,109 $209,489 $196,390 $213,638 $4,149 1.98%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $27,067 $35,660 $25,287 $36,190 $530 1.49%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $35,856 $40,715 $30,303 $26,789 ($13,926) (34.20%)
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $825 - ---0.00%
AMORTIZATION $25,470 $28,440 $23,627 $23,627 ($4,813)(16.92%)
TOTAL EXPENSES $287,327 $314,304 $275,607 $300,244 ($14,060)(4.47%)
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($160,892) ($26,304) ($97,505)($146,514)($120,210)457.00%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $25,470 $28,440 $23,627 $23,627 ($4,813)(16.92%)
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $14,298 - ---0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($121,124) $2,136 ($73,878)($122,887)($125,023) (5853.14%)
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($14,820) - -($29,000)($29,000)0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $5,361 - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($9,459) - -($29,000)($29,000)0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($130,582) $2,136 ($73,878)($151,887)($154,023) (7210.81%)
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $30,832 $28,440 $23,627 $23,627 ($4,813)(16.92%)
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ($2,922)--0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $30,832 $28,440 $20,705 $23,627 ($4,813)(16.92%)
NET FUNDING ($161,414) ($26,304) ($94,583)($175,514)($149,210)567.25%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 44
The department also works closely with Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officers, Alberta Department of Traffic Officers
(DOT), City of Brooks Community Peace Officers (CPO), and the local Brooks and Bassano RCMP. The Supervisor
contributes a monthly report to the Safe Communities Committee regarding activities.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
When called upon Municipal Enforcement responds to emergencies. This may include, but is not limited to, motor
vehicle collisions, grass fires, flood response and evacuation. The role of officers is to provide traffic control,
however they may be called in for other purposes where other emergency services may not be available.
The Supervisor also acts as the Deputy Disaster Services Coordinator.
BYLAW ENFORCEMENT STAFFING
Bylaw Enforcement staffing levels in 2017 are expected to remain consistent with 2016.
BYLAW ENFORCEMENT STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Municipal Enforcement Supervisor 1111 ‐
Municipal Enforcement Officer 1 1 1 1 ‐
TOTAL FTE 2 2 2 2 ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 45
31 – Fleet Services
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
SMALL ENGINE SERVICING & REPAIRS
Fleet Services provides servicing and repairs to small engines. The County’s Municipal and Agricultural Services
Departments operate various types of small engine equipment such as weed trimmers, chainsaws, water pumps,
etc.
FLEET SERVICING & REPAIRS
Fleet Services provides servicing and repairs to light duty fleet trucks. The County operates approximately 39 fleet
units in classifications ranging from SUV’s to mid‐size to full size fleet trucks (1/2 ton to 2 Ton). The primary
purpose of this fleet is to transport staff to and from job sites. Fleet units may be shipped out to the manufacturer
or other service shops where service capacity is not available, or expertise of the manufacturer or model is
required.
HEAVY TRUCK SERVICING & REPAIRS
Fleet Services provides servicing and repairs to heavy duty fleet trucks. The County operates approximately 31 fleet
units classified as heavy trucks and range in size from 3 Ton to 6 Ton, and include the servicing of gravel trailers
(pups, quads, tri‐axels, end dumps and belly dumps) and 1 low bed equipment hauling trailer. The primary
purpose of heavy duty fleet trucks is to transport aggregates from resource pits and stockpiles to road surfaces. In
winter, these same trucks are equipped with plows, calcium and sanding equipment for winter storm response and
keeping the paved roads free of ice and drifting snow. The Agricultural Services Department operates two heavy
trucks utilized in spring summer and fall seasons for the purposes of weed control.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
OTHER $4,163 $2,000 $6,084 $2,000 -0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $4,163 $2,000 $6,084 $2,000 -0.00%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $290,521 $340,380 $271,293 $324,889 ($15,491)(4.55%)
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $12,849 $15,750 $12,547 $15,480 ($270) (1.71%)
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $136,722 $141,473 $121,798 $132,055 ($9,418) (6.66%)
OTHER EXPENDITURES ($3,076) - ---0.00%
AMORTIZATION $14,545 $14,556 $14,545 $14,545 ($11) (0.08%)
TOTAL EXPENSES $451,561 $512,159 $420,183 $486,969 ($25,190)(4.92%)
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($447,398) ($510,159) ($414,098)($484,969)$25,190 (4.94%)
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $14,545 $14,556 $14,545 $14,545 ($11) (0.08%)
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($432,853) ($495,603) ($399,553)($470,424)$25,179 (5.08%)
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($3,775) - -($30,000)($30,000)0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($3,775) - -($30,000)($30,000)0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($436,628) ($495,603) ($399,553)($500,424)($4,821) 0.97%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $14,545 $14,556 $14,545 $14,545 ($11) (0.08%)
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ---0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $14,545 $14,556 $14,545 $14,545 ($11) (0.08%)
NET FUNDING ($451,173) ($510,159) ($414,098)($514,969)($4,810) 0.94%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 46
EQUIPMENT SERVICING & REPAIRS
Fleet Services provides servicing and repairs to equipment. Municipal Services operates 1 tracked excavator, 3
loader(s), 1 skid steer(s), 1 packer(s) and 10 grader(s), and 1 dozer. There are numerous attachments for this
equipment that requires regular servicing. The Agricultural Services Department operates 3 tractors. The Fleet
Services Supervisor and Mechanic service these equipment and attachments to keep equipment operational. The
primary purpose of equipment is to address road side drainage issues including culvert replacement and
installations, repair frost boils on road surfaces, and maintain road surfaces for motorists. Additionally, equipment
is used in the dust abatement program placing calcium.
Agricultural Services has numerous rental equipment, drills and seeders, including tractors that require the
attention of servicemen throughout the year.
OTHER SERVICING & REPAIRS
Fleet Services also provides services internally to Community Services and Fire Services. Fleet Services is
responsible for maintaining all commercial vehicle files, conducting commercial vehicle inspections (CVIP’s),
including administering all warranties and recalls. Preventative maintenance of all fleet and equipment is key in
keeping fleet operational and maintaining low repair costs, and is the responsibility of Fleet Services.
FABRICATION
Fabrication services are provided where necessary. This may include the fabricating of racking systems and/or
attachments for field use where engineering is not required. Where engineering is required for fabrication the
work is out sourced.
INVENTORY
Fleet Services manages the County’s parts room and operations yard inventories such as filters, lubricants,
culverts, etc. The effective management of inventories is necessary and regular turnover to curtail accumulation of
old or unused parts ensures space is available for necessary stock. Inventory control ensures inventory costs are
maintained and assists in determining and maintaining adequate levels of stock.
FLEET SERVICES STAFFING
Fleet Services staffing levels in 2017 are expected to decrease by 0.33 FTE compared to 2016 due to the removal of
the shop student position.
FLEET SERVICES STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Fleet Services Supervisor 1111 ‐
Fleet & Inventory Assistant 1 1 1 1 ‐
Mechanic 1111 ‐
Shop Student 0.33 0.33 0.33 ‐ (0.33)
TOTAL FTE 3.33 3.33 3.33 3 (0.33)
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 47
32 – Roads, Streets, Walks & Lighting
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
AGGREGATES & GRAVEL ROADS
The County owns and operates numerous gravel resource pits. Heavy duty fleet trucks transport aggregates from
resource pits to stockpiles, including the distribution of aggregates directly to gravel road surfaces.
Annually the County distributes approximately 40,000 cubic metres of aggregates across approximately 320
kilometres of arterial, 280 kilometres of collector, and 900 kilometres of local classified gravel roads. Crushing of
resources is planned and carried out by retaining a crushing contractor. By managing aggregates in this manner
the County is able to address 25% of 1,493 kilometres of County gravel surfaced roads annually, keeping the
program manageable in size based on available resources, equipment and labour. Aggregate use will be planned
and budgeted for annually on this philosophy; however aggregate use will be limited to roads requiring
resurfacing. This philosophy ensures road surfaces are addressed regularly based on classification (importance and
use), based on need, and on a manageable plan promoting conservation of resource for future use.
Road signage is an important component of communicating the rules of the road to motorists. Regulatory,
warning, and information signage are present on each gravel road. Maintaining these signs is a priority in ensuring
the motorist is aware in advance of upcoming road changes and hazards. In addition to these types of signs,
County staff will temporarily erect Construction signage as warning devices to motorists where road maintenance
and repair work is in progress.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SPECIAL LEVIES - - -$3,000,000 $3,000,000 0.00%
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $222,206 $310,000 $241,172 $234,000 ($76,000) (24.52%)
GRANTS FOR OPERATING - - ---0.00%
GRANTS FOR CAPITAL $520,583 $520,583 --($520,583) (100.00%)
OTHER $902,309 $30,000 ($48,695)$30,000 -0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $1,645,098 $860,583 $192,477 $3,264,000 $2,403,417 279.28%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $2,587,823 $2,933,767 $2,539,515 $2,989,620 $55,853 1.90%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $1,877,413 $1,686,392 $1,560,180 $1,792,142 $105,750 6.27%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $2,023,859 $2,475,500 $1,991,618 $2,700,845 $225,345 9.10%
OTHER EXPENDITURES $13,158 - ---0.00%
AMORTIZATION $4,127,291 $4,182,936 $4,336,601 $4,441,277 $258,341 6.18%
TOTAL EXPENSES $10,629,544 $11,278,595 $10,427,914 $11,923,884 $645,289 5.72%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($8,984,446) ($10,418,012) ($10,235,437)($8,659,884)$1,758,128 (16.88%)
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $4,127,291 $4,182,936 $4,336,601 $4,441,277 $258,341 6.18%
CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($13,407) - ---0.00%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($820,557) - $163,180 --0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES ($354,669) - $293,957 --0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($6,045,788) ($6,235,076) ($5,441,698)($4,218,607)$2,016,469 (32.34%)
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($7,089,940) ($4,704,185) ($3,886,159)($7,372,800)($2,668,615)56.73%
CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $13,407 - ---0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $1,192,905 - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($5,883,628) ($4,704,185) ($3,886,159)($7,372,800)($2,668,615)56.73%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($11,929,416) ($10,939,261) ($9,327,857)($11,591,407)($652,146)5.96%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $5,846,851 $4,723,676 $4,708,161 $4,733,147 $9,471 0.20%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($3,965,179) ($806,185) ($227,500)($767,800)$38,385 (4.76%)
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $1,881,672 $3,917,491 $4,480,661 $3,965,347 $47,856 1.22%
NET FUNDING ($13,811,089) ($14,856,752) ($13,808,518)($15,556,754)($700,002)4.71%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 48
PAVED ROADS
The County has just over 215 kilometres of paved surface roads. Gravel Road surfaces are upgraded to a paved
standard based on the 10 Year Paving Plan, as approved by Council. Paved road surfaces require regular
maintenance to ensure safe driving surfaces are available and to maximize the original investment. Pavement
overlays are a long‐term solution to maintaining a defect free surface and typically occur once every 17 years.
Crack sealing is a short‐term preventative maintenance solution, performed to ensure moisture does not enter the
road base, prematurely degrading the road surface which can escalate annual maintenance costs. On average
125,000 linear meters of cracks are sealed through the cold pour application of sealant. The cold pour application
requires all cracks to be sealed annually and is the most affordable cost effective solution. This is a service the
County contracts out.
Pothole repairs are a short‐term preventative solution and are limited due to the average age of pavement in the
County being under 10 years. Potholes typically become more frequent as pavement ages and where proactive
preventative maintenance, such as crack sealing, is not administered.
Line painting is completed annually and serves as another communication device to motorists. Line painting
adheres to Alberta Transportation Highway Specifications and Standards. In addition, permanent thermoplastic
markings are used where stop bars and stop ahead messages are needed to warn or communicate to motorists of
traffic control devices ahead, as well as in areas where premature wearing of painted highway markings takes
place, such as on speed curves. These permanent markings have an average life expectancy of 7 years and are re‐
applied as necessary.
Highway signage is an important component in communicating paved surface changes ahead. Regulatory,
warning, and information signage are present on each paved road surface. Maintaining these are a priority in
ensuring the motorist is aware of the rules of the road. In addition to these types of signs, County staff will
temporarily erect construction signage as warning devices to motorists where road maintenance and repair work is
in progress.
Paved surfaces require less regular maintenance than gravel surfaces in the spring, summer and fall seasons.
However, during the winter season paved surfaces require above average attention as higher motor vehicle speeds
and reduced traction due to the smooth paved surface require plowing and sanding for snow and ice control.
PERMITS & APPROVALS
Municipal Services is responsible for administering permits and approvals for various activities of third parties.
Over‐dimensional and overweight loads, road approaches, seismic, texas gates, facility crossings, are all matters
covered under permits and approvals. Additionally the County provides inspection services for road approaches in
relation to Planning & Development where subdivisions take place.
The County contracts Roadata Services to administer over‐dimensional and overweight loads as required by
Alberta Transportation in the TRAVIS MJ permitting system. The decrease in permits issued since 2014 is a result of
the economic slowdown of industries in our region.
The County has one Approvals Officer who oversees the approval of permits, including the associated inspections
for all such approvals. These include facility crossings, road approaches, locating of rural water lines, Texas gates,
and seismic.
BRIDGES
Within the County boundaries, there are 258 bridges in total. 106 of those are under other jurisdictions care in our
County. 152 are managed by the County, 3 are out of service and 149 are in service. Annually a bridge request List
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
# Permits 2,668 3,770 4,170 2,892 2,361
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 49
is prepared and submitted to Alberta Transportation for approval purposes, under GAP guidelines. The submission
is substantiated on annual inspections and found deficiencies. Alberta Transportation reviews the bridge request
list and approves repairs and or replacements based on available funding each year.
Bridge repair work is completed with in house staff except where a professional or specialized service is required.
For bridge replacements, a professional engineering firm is retained for engineering, contract administration, and
construction management of the project.
DRAINAGE
The County is responsible for maintaining approximately 3,400 km of roadside drainage, including road approach
and centerline culverts of varying size. Typical work includes re‐establishing ditch bottoms by removing silt and
vegetative growth. In areas with poor drainage cattails grow which further restrict flows. A tracked excavator
equipped with clipping bucket is used to cut cattails below the water surface to kill growth. On average 20 culverts
of varying sizes are replaced annually.
Additionally, the County and Eastern Irrigation District has a continuing partnership on a year‐by‐year basis where
major and minor drainage courses are being improved, with all engineering and construction being administered
by the EID. Major drainage courses are defined as receiving basins and major drains. Minor drainage courses are
defined as roadside ditches. Completed work includes Cassils, Rolling Hills, and Scandia. Rainier and Millicent is in
progress.
BRUSH CONTROL
Municipal Services in cooperation with the Agricultural Services department oversees and carries out tree cutting
and brush reduction in areas where motorist visibility is reduced, regular operations are adversely affected, and
where snow drifting is problematic. In cases where staff is inexperienced or the situation is of higher risk (i.e.
around power lines) the department will retain the services of a professional. A complete inventory was collected
in 2013/14 winter season prioritizing work. This will be utilized moving forward and shall be updated regularly.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Municipal Services responds to emergencies as directed by the Fire & Emergency Department. Municipal Services
provides signage and flag persons to control motorists, keeping the emergency area free of the general public and
at a safe distance from danger. The department may also be called upon to provide staff and equipment where
situations warrant. This may include, but is not limited to, graders for the purposes of making fire guards or breaks,
water trucks to supply fire trucks when in remote areas without water source as well as douse burnt areas to
prevent re‐ignition of combustibles. The department also responds to flooding, with response including staff and
equipment, and where necessary sand bagging.
CONTRACTED SERVICES
Municipal Services contracts a variety of services annually. These include the utilization of engineering firms. The
services from each firm widely vary and include, but not limited to, studies, survey, testing, engineered solutions,
construction and project management, and as such firms will be selected based on expertise which is most
advantageous to the project at hand.
CAPITAL
Municipal Services oversees capital projects ranging from paved roadways through to fleet and equipment
acquisitions. Capital projects are those one time major investments in infrastructure. The department has
prepared long term plans for capital projects in gravel road construction and re‐construction, upgrading of primary
road networks to paved surfaces under the 10‐year paving plan, and drainage improvements as per the drainage
partnership with the EID, including a strategy for aggregate resource investigation and securement.
Capital, fleet, and equipment has been forecast out for a 10‐year period, identifying all replacement requirements
to keep our fleet meeting service needs and keeping repairs and maintenance costs in check by basing
replacement schedules on higher than average costs of ownership in each fleet and equipment category.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 50
MUNICIPAL SERVICES STAFFING
Municipal Services staffing levels in 2017 are expected to decrease by 0.32 FTE compared to 2016 due to the
removal of one seasonal labourer position.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Director of Municipal Services 1111 ‐
Manager of Engineering Services 1111 ‐
Manager of Operations 1111 ‐
Engineering Technologist 1 1 1 1 ‐
Executive Operations Assistant 1 1 1 1 ‐
Approvals Officers 1 1 1 1 ‐
Operations Foreman 0111 ‐
Gravel Foreman Seasonal 0.75 0.75 0.6 0.6 ‐
Operations Administrative Assistant (Seasonal) 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 ‐
PW Grader Operators 10988 ‐
Maintenance Operators 0233 ‐
PW Labourers 3.75 3 2.17 1.85 (0.32)
PW Truck Drivers 7 7 6 6 ‐
PW Seasonal Truck Drivers 1.5 1.5 1.19 1.19 ‐
TOTAL FTE 29.33 30.58 28.29 27.97 (0.32)
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 51
33 – Airport
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
OPERATIONS
The County is a 50/50 partner in ownership of the Brooks Regional Airport with the City of Brooks. Operations are
carried out by the City of Brooks, and the County assists where requested, typically in snow removal of runways,
taxi ways and hanger areas.
CAPITAL
Capital costs are planned by the City of Brooks on an as needed basis, including the consideration of new services.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
EXPENSES
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $4,135 $4,250 $2,852 $4,250 -0.00%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $29,222 $34,856 $24,443 $34,856 -0.00%
AMORTIZATION $90,246 $90,246 $93,683 $96,294 $6,048 6.70%
TOTAL EXPENSES $123,604 $129,352 $120,979 $135,400 $6,048 4.68%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($123,604) ($129,352) ($120,979)($135,400)($6,048) 4.68%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $90,246 $90,246 $93,683 $96,294 $6,048 6.70%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($33,357) ($39,106) ($27,295)($39,106)-0.00%
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($78,209) - ($41,151)--0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($78,209) - ($41,151)--0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($111,566) ($39,106) ($68,447)($39,106)-0.00%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $48,259 $46,759 $51,696 $52,807 $6,048 12.93%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($75,000) - ---0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($26,741) $46,759 $51,696 $52,807 $6,048 12.93%
NET FUNDING ($84,825) ($85,865) ($120,143)($91,913)($6,048) 7.04%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 52
41 – Water
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) has been contracted to oversee the day‐to‐day operations and
repairs and maintenance of water treatment and distribution.
HAMLET WATER SYSTEMS
NRSC supplies water to the hamlets in the County through the regional water pipeline. Water infrastructure is
generally funded through a combination of grants and local improvement taxes. Costs of the water utility are
recovered in part through a two‐part water rate consisting of a fixed charge and a volumetric charge. The fixed
portion of the user rate is used to recover customer related costs for metering, billing and collecting as well as
other fixed costs of the system. The volumetric charge is based on user’s actual water usage and covers the cost of
the treated water and a portion of other variable costs of the system. Although water rates have increased by
nearly 5% in 2017 the systems continue to be subsidized from general property tax revenues.
The County has recently installed
water meters at each property
drawing water from the hamlet
systems. This has provided the
County with the information
necessary to complete water audits
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SPECIAL LEVIES $1,140,079 $111,645 $112,999 $112,835 $1,190 1.07%
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $821,008 $1,112,419 $1,118,619 $1,170,766 $58,347 5.25%
GRANTS FOR CAPITAL $14,774,010 $3,061,759 $3,868,559 -($3,061,759) (100.00%)
OTHER $1,291,421 - $164,693 --0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $18,026,517 $4,285,823 $5,264,869 $1,283,601 ($3,002,222) (70.05%)
EXPENSES
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $376,884 $912,025 $567,905 $753,635 ($158,390) (17.37%)
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $419,981 $451,630 $454,183 $599,740 $148,110 32.79%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $4,949 $22,515 $22,679 $22,515 -0.00%
INTEREST ON LONG-TERM DEBT $572,029 $560,425 $556,235 $468,275 ($92,150) (16.44%)
AMORTIZATION $552,335 $451,487 $757,341 $881,076 $429,589 95.15%
TOTAL EXPENSES $1,926,178 $2,398,082 $2,358,343 $2,725,241 $327,159 13.64%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $16,100,339 $1,887,741 $2,906,526 ($1,441,640)($3,329,381) (176.37%)
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $552,335 $451,487 $757,341 $881,076 $429,589 95.15%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $2,627 - ---0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES ($236,235) - $2,429,815 --0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS $16,419,066 $2,339,228 $6,093,682 ($560,564)($2,899,792) (123.96%)
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($15,204,650) ($4,796,815) ($3,330,309)-$4,796,815 (100.00%)
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($15,204,650) ($4,796,815) ($3,330,309)-$4,796,815 (100.00%)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
NET DEBT PROCEEDS (REPAYMENT) ($3,662,241) ($4,905,330) ($4,905,330)($4,995,519)($90,189)1.84%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES ($3,662,241) ($4,905,330) ($4,905,330)($4,995,519)($90,189)1.84%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($2,447,826) ($7,362,917) ($2,141,956)($5,556,083)$1,806,834 (24.54%)
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $15,431,645 $451,487 $380,278 $442,148 ($9,339) (2.07%)
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($10,632,841) ($7,194,780) ($6,045,191)($5,437,877)$1,756,903 (24.42%)
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $4,798,804 ($6,743,293) ($5,664,913)($4,995,729)$1,747,564 (25.92%)
NET FUNDING ($7,246,629) ($619,624) $3,522,957 ($560,354)$59,270 (9.57%)
WATER RATES SUMMARY
(MONTHLY RATES) Budget Budget
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 $chg/16 %chg/16
Hamlet Systems:
Water base charge 25.00 25.00 26.25 26.25 28.25 29.65 1.40 4.96%
Water charge per m3 1.00 1.00 1.75 1.75 1.88 1.97 0.09 4.79%
Rural Water System:
Base charge 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 21.50 22.56 1.06 4.93%
Consumption charge 24.00 24.00 24.00 24.00 26.00 27.25 1.25 4.81%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 53
that analyze the consumption trends of users within each hamlet compared to the volume of water supplied by
NRSC to each hamlet.
Utility companies use the following criteria for water audits:
0 – 8% no action required
8 – 20% further investigation may be warranted
20% and up further investigation is required
A water consumption analysis has been completed for the period of January 1st to August 31, 2016. The analysis
shows loss rates ranging from 11.4% to 47.8% (2015 – 7.4% to 69.5%). County staff are working with NRSC to
determine the cause of the water losses in these hamlets.
WATER BUDGET BY SYSTEM LOCATION
Infrastructure Master Plans (IMP’s) are being completed in each Hamlet and have identified and recommended
improvements to various infrastructures. Scandia IMP is complete. IMP’S for Rolling Hills and Patricia require final
endorsement. Tilley’s IMP was completed prior to the Village’s dissolution. Lake Newell Resort does not require an
IMP as its infrastructure is only 15‐20 years old. For water pipeline improvements, Hamlet Advisories and the
community are consulted and projects move forward where funding and local improvements are approved.
Scandia work is complete. Tilley improvements were completed in 2016. Patricia is in deliberation of the
recommended improvements. Rolling Hills has expressed no interest to move forward with replacements and
upgrading at this time, and no major issues have presented themselves to cause alarm.
RURAL WATER SYSTEM
Construction of the rural water system is complete. This rural water sub‐system draws water off the Regional
Water Pipeline to supply all County residents with potable water. There are 1,052 users active of 1,570 registered
users or 67% active. The rural water sub‐system draws water off the Regional Water Pipeline to supply customers
with up to 300 gallons (1.36 cubic meters) of potable water per day.
R. HILLS PATRICIA SCANDIA RAINIER L.NEWELL TILLEY RURAL
2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 BUDGET
Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget TOTAL
REVENUE
SPECIAL TAXES 14,300 - 8,215 - - - 90,320 112,835
BULK WATER 2,000 7,000 3,000 1,500 - 3,500 - 17,000
COST RECOVERY 71,855 41,745 41,756 9,819 102,874 138,567 747,150 1,153,766
TOTAL REVENUE 88,155 48,745 52,971 11,319 102,874 142,067 837,470 1,283,601
EXPENSES
CELLULAR/RADIO - 460 - - - - - 460
ENGINEERING - - - - - - 30,000 30,000
CONTRACT OPERATING 49,350 31,500 33,075 29,400 25,200 36,750 150,150 355,425
CONTRACTED R&M 42,000 22,000 22,000 2,500 22,000 22,000 120,000 252,500
INSURANCE 2,050 1,200 1,100 1,150 2,600 1,150 - 9,250
OTHER CONTRACTED SERVICES 10,000 10,000 40,000 10,000 - 30,000 6,000 106,000
IM HARDWARE & SOFTWARE - - - - - - 2,500 2,500
UTILITIES - WATER - - - - - - 90,320 90,320
UTILITIES - GAS 1,000 1,500 1,800 1,000 2,000 2,000 - 9,300
UTILITIES - POWER 14,000 5,700 12,000 1,000 21,000 10,000 3,600 67,300
OTHER MATERIALS & SUPPLIES 16,000 12,000 12,000 4,320 24,000 39,200 322,800 430,320
GRANTS 14,300 - 8,215 - - - - 22,515
INTEREST ON LONG-TERM DEBT 4,387 - 21,530 - - - 442,358 468,275
AMORTIZATION - MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT - - - - - - 3,216 3,216
AMORTIZATION - ENG. STRUCTURES 24,283 18,417 28,281 3,100 11,936 53,038 738,805 877,860
TOTAL EXPENSES 177,370 102,777 180,001 52,470 108,736 194,138 1,909,749 2,725,241
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) (89,215) (54,032) (127,030) (41,151) (5,862) (52,071) (1,072,279) (1,441,640)
AMORTIZATION ADD BACK 24,283 18,417 28,281 3,100 11,936 53,038 742,021 881,076
TRANSFER TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS (12,142) (9,209) (14,141) (1,550) (5,968) (26,519) (372,619) (442,148)
TRANSFER FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - - - - - 5,437,877 5,437,877
DEBT REPAYMENT - - - - - - (4,995,519) (4,995,519)
NET FUNDING (77,074) (44,824) (112,890) (39,601) 106 (25,552) (260,519) (560,354)
# SERVICES 118 56 66 12 142 165 1,052
SUBSIDY PER SERVICE 653 800 1,710 3,300 (1) 155 248
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 54
42 – Waste Water
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) has been contracted to oversee the day‐to‐day operations and
repairs and maintenance of sanitary sewer collection and treatment.
OPERATIONS
Infrastructure Master Plans (IMP’s) are being completed in each Hamlet and have identified and recommended
improvements to various infrastructures. For sewage collection and treatment improvements, Hamlet Advisories
and the community are consulted and projects move forward where funding and local improvements are
approved. Patricia remains in deliberation of the recommended improvements. Further investigation into
technologies and costs are planned for 2017. Rolling Hills has expressed no interest to move forward with
replacements and upgrading at this time.
Although wastewater rates have increased by 4.35% in 2017 the systems continue to be subsidized from general
property tax revenues.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SPECIAL LEVIES $2,320,374 - $690,467 --0.00%
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $150,225 $147,108 $144,892 $158,976 $11,868 8.07%
GRANTS FOR CAPITAL $749,514 - ---0.00%
OTHER ($74,986) - ---0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $3,145,128 $147,108 $835,358 $158,976 $11,868 8.07%
EXPENSES
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $57,319 $132,925 $95,676 $120,325 ($12,600)(9.48%)
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $6,051 $29,525 $3,431 $29,525 -0.00%
INTEREST ON LONG-TERM DEBT $2,740 - ---0.00%
AMORTIZATION $131,358 $131,101 $142,445 $199,602 $68,501 52.25%
TOTAL EXPENSES $197,468 $293,551 $241,552 $349,452 $55,901 19.04%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $2,947,660 ($146,443) $593,807 ($190,476)($44,033)30.07%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $131,358 $131,101 $142,445 $199,602 $68,501 52.25%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $74,986 - ---0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS $3,154,003 ($15,342) $736,252 $9,126 $24,468 (159.48%)
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($3,011,056) - ($3,755,594)--0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($3,011,056) - ($3,755,594)-- 0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $142,946 ($15,342) ($3,019,342)$9,126 $24,468 (159.48%)
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $2,388,512 $131,101 $74,247 $102,826 ($28,275) (21.57%)
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($33,895) - ($3,422,003)--0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $2,354,617 $131,101 ($3,347,756)$102,826 ($28,275) (21.57%)
NET FUNDING ($2,211,670) ($146,443) $328,414 ($93,700)$52,743 (36.02%)
WASTEWATER RATES SUMMARY
(MONTHLY RATES) Budget Budget
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 $chg/16 %chg/16
Hamlet Systems:
Sewer base charge 20.00 20.00 21.00 21.00 23.00 24.00 1.00 4.35%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 55
WASTEWATER BUDGET BY SYSTEM LOCATION
R. HILLS PATRICIA SCANDIA L.NEWELL TILLEY
2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 BUDGET
Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget TOTAL
REVENUE
COST RECOVERY 34,272 15,840 18,432 41,472 48,960 158,976
TOTAL REVENUE 34,272 15,840 18,432 41,472 48,960 158,976
EXPENSES
CELLULAR/RADIO 150 - - - - 150
CONTRACT OPERATING 12,600 3,150 14,700 26,250 15,750 72,450
CONTRACTED R&M 11,500 2,500 10,000 10,000 10,000 44,000
INSURANCE 1,100 - 750 750 1,125 3,725
UTILITIES - SEWER - - - 22,000 - 22,000
UTILITIES - GAS 525 - - - 1,500 2,025
UTILITIES - POWER 2,000 - 1,000 - 2,500 5,500
AMORTIZATION - MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT 6,049 - - - - 6,049
AMORTIZATION - ENG. STRUCTURES 29,930 8,503 43,866 23,864 87,390 193,553
TOTAL EXPENSES 63,854 14,153 70,316 82,864 118,265 349,452
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) (29,582) 1,687 (51,884) (41,392) (69,305) (190,476)
AMORTIZATION ADD BACK 35,979 8,503 43,866 23,864 87,390 199,602
TRANSFER TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS (21,014) (4,252) (21,933) (11,932) (43,695) (102,826)
NET FUNDING (14,617) 5,938 (29,951) (29,460) (25,610) (93,700)
# SERVICES 118 56 66 142 165
SUBSIDY PER SERVICE 124 (106) 454 207 155
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 56
43 – Waste Management
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
OPERATIONS
The County is a regional partner in the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority (NRSWMA). The
County pays a proportionate share of the operating expenses similar to each of the other partners.
In late 2015 it was decided to pilot solid waste and recycling pick up services in the Johnson Estate I multi‐lot
residential subdivision, with a budget of $3,500. This pilot project was completed in early 2016, the results of
which were presented to Council. It was determined at that time that a new solid waste pick up service
throughout the County would not be pursued any further.
CAPITAL
The only capital project remaining to be completed is the reclamation of the Tilley Landfill, which has been carried
forward for some time as the Village of Tilley was the lead on this project. With the dissolution of the Village of
Tilley as of August 31, 2013, the County now has sole responsibility for coordinating the reclamation of this landfill.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $26,008 $23,000 $26,422 $23,000 - 0.00%
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $183,694 - $105,000 $105,000 $105,000 0.00%
OTHER $9,502 $19,760 $9,502 $10,000 ($9,760)(49.39%)
TOTAL REVENUE $219,204 $42,760 $140,924 $138,000 $95,240 222.73%
EXPENSES
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $20,670 $19,760 $20,530 $21,500 $1,740 8.81%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $285,485 $289,660 $292,720 $305,324 $15,664 5.41%
TOTAL EXPENSES $306,155 $309,420 $313,250 $326,824 $17,404 5.62%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($86,951) ($266,660) ($172,326)($188,824)$77,836 (29.19%)
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($86,951) ($266,660) ($172,326)($188,824)$77,836 (29.19%)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($86,951) ($266,660) ($172,326)($188,824)$77,836 (29.19%)
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - --- 0.00%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ($3,060)-- 0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ($3,060)-- 0.00%
NET FUNDING ($86,951) ($266,660) ($169,266)($188,824)$77,836 (29.19%)
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 57
51 – Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Grasslands Regional FCSS has been in operation since September 2004 and is an Intermunicipal organization that
originally had five municipal partners including the Villages of Rosemary, Duchess and Tilley, the County of Newell,
and the City of Brooks. Ten board members, two from each municipality, ensure that FCSS programs are carried
out in accordance with the Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation. Funding for FCSS is cost‐
shared 80% Provincial and 20% Municipal.
FCSS designs and delivers preventative social service programs that promote and enhance the well‐being of
individuals, families and communities and build capacity to prevent or deal with crisis situations should they arise.
For additional details please visit Grasslands Regional FCSS website at www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS - $1,000 -$1,000 -0.00%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $64,466 $64,466 $64,466 $64,466 -0.00%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS - - -$55,000 $55,000 0.00%
TOTAL EXPENSES $64,466 $65,466 $64,466 $120,466 $55,000 84.01%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($64,466) ($65,466) ($64,466)($120,466)($55,000)84.01%
NET FUNDING ($64,466) ($65,466) ($64,466)($120,466)($55,000)84.01%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 58
61 – Planning & Development
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
The primary service of the Planning and Development Department is to assist and direct landowners with development:
what they can do or build on their land, how and where to build on their land, and how the County Land Use Bylaw and
policies may affect them. The department helps landowners navigate the process to obtain development and construction
permits, complete land use amendments, subdivision applications, and road closures, and any other matters that relate to
land development.
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
Managing Development Permit applications and issuing permits is one of the primary functions of the department.
Given the current economic environment the decrease in development permits in 2016 is not unexpected.
The chart showing development permit trends is categorized into residential, non‐residential and home occupation
permits. Residential permits apply to dwellings (built on‐site, moved‐in or manufactured homes), and also to
additions, decks and accessory buildings. Non‐
Residential permits apply to commercial and
industrial development, including new
buildings, additions and accessory buildings
associated that development. The chart below
shows combined permitted and discretionary
permits in these categories.
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
Construction permits include building, electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage permits. Provincial regulations
and County bylaws govern when a permit is required. The Safety Codes Act requires that all contractors and
homeowners in Alberta obtain permits prior to commencing work on buildings covered by the Alberta Building
Code or work governed by the Canadian Electrical Code, the Alberta Gas Code or the Alberta Plumbing Code. The
benefits of obtaining a permit are knowing that the installation will conform to the safety standards that have
been adopted under the Safety Codes Act, and that inspections will be provided by certified safety codes officers.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $186,192 $151,600 $153,032 $152,000 $400 0.26%
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $6,435 - ---0.00%
OTHER $29,998 $5,000 $111,678 $5,000 -0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $222,625 $156,600 $264,710 $157,000 $400 0.26%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $249,232 $265,221 $267,336 $276,277 $11,056 4.17%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $267,224 $290,210 $224,570 $377,701 $87,491 30.15%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $10,171 $5,300 $3,206 $5,875 $575 10.85%
TOTAL EXPENSES $526,626 $560,731 $495,112 $659,853 $99,122 17.68%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($304,001) ($404,131) ($230,402)($502,853)($98,722)24.43%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES ($59,734) - $1,975 --0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($363,735) ($404,131) ($228,427)($502,853)($98,722)24.43%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($363,735) ($404,131) ($228,427)($502,853)($98,722)24.43%
NET FUNDING ($363,735) ($404,131) ($228,427)($502,853)($98,722)24.43%
Permit Type 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Residential 76 79 99 115 90
Non‐Residential 25 31 29 22 33
Home Occupation 510443
TOTAL 106 120 132 141 126
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 59
The County became accredited to issue construction permits in June, 2011. Park Enterprises was contracted in
2011 to provide inspection services for construction permits; the contract was renewed in June 2014 and expires in
June 2017.
SUBDIVISION
Subdivision of lands must obtain municipal approval prior to being registered at Land Titles. The Oldman River
Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) provides planning services to assist the County and landowners with this
process.
As shown in the chart below, of the 14 subdivision applications processed in 2015, 11 were finalized and 3 are
ongoing. For 2016, of the 13 applications being processed, 3 are ongoing and 10 have been finalized. Subdivisions
take about a year to complete the conditions and obtain final endorsement.
LAND USE AMENDMENTS
In order to change the land use designation of a parcel, a landowner must apply for a Land Use Amendment. Since
a land use amendment changes the Land Use Bylaw, all applications must go through the formal bylaw process:
Public Hearing and 3 Readings of Council. The Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) provides
planning services to assist the County and landowners with this process.
As shown in the chart below, in 2015, 6 land use amendment applications were finalized. For 2016 4 land use
amendments have been processed and 3 have been finalized. It should be noted that once a land use amendment
application has been prepared for review by Council, very few are refused.
Permit Type Count $ Value Count $ Value Count $ Value Count $ Value Count $ Value
Building 92 66,417 79 64,290 94 84,565 94 72,044 83 61,025
Electrical 214 37,728 177 28,684 163 55,867 205 46,965 182 32,607
Gas 85 8,841 86 8,957 97 20,096 92 9,595 64 6,425
Plumbing 51 7,573 51 7,993 56 8,755 63 9,235 69 10,320
PSDS 23 7,900 29 8,600 21 7,400 28 9,700 22 6,900
TOTAL 465 128,459 422 118,524 431 176,683 482 147,539 420 117,277
2013 20152014 20162012
Status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Started 24 2126 2622
Processed 22 1622 1413
Finalized 20 12 16 11 10
Refused 1 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
Withdrawn, cancelled, expired 1 4 ‐ ‐ ‐
Ongoing ‐ 4 8 3 3
Status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Started 2 9 7 7 4
Processed 2 7 7 6 4
Finalized 2 7 7 6 3
Refused ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1
Withdrawn, cancelled, expired ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
Ongoing ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 60
AREA STRUCTURE PLANS
Area Structure Plans (ASP) and Area Redevelopment Plans (ARP) are statutory documents that are adopted by
bylaw and provide a framework for development on a parcel of land. An ASP describes the sequence of
development for parcels that are bareland (no or very little development), land uses for the site, density of
development, transportation routes and public utilities, and any other relevant information relevant for
development of the site. An ARP has the same purpose, except that existing development is present on the parcel
that must be accommodated in the plan.
No Area Structure Plans were submitted for review in 2016.
ROAD RIGHT OF WAY CLOSURE AND LEASE OR SALE
The closure of undeveloped County road allowances may be requested by a landowner to facilitate the operation
of a pivot or to correct an existing land use issue. The request may be to close and purchase or close and lease the
road allowance.
A road allowance must be closed either by bylaw or resolution. The closure process by bylaw includes a Public
Hearing, 3 Readings of Council and approval from the Minister of Transportation. Once approved for closure, a sale
or lease agreement is finalized with the applicant. With a lease agreement, a caveat is registered on the title(s) of
the lessee.
2016 saw a major jump in the number of road closure applications that were processed. In part, this is due to
Council’s direction to staff to contact those landowners who are using County road allowances as part of their
agricultural operations.
REAL PROPERTY REPORTS (RPR) AND COMPLIANCE
A compliance letter may be requested when a parcel of land is put up for sale. In order for compliance to be
assessed, a Real Property Report (RPR) must be submitted with the application. Nine RPR and compliance requests
were completed in 2016, of these four were non‐compliant. This means that either the development occurred
without proper permits or that the approved structure was not built according to the permit requirements. Of the
four non‐compliant properties, three were followed up and attained compliance.
Status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Started 6 8 6 6 18
Approved 5 4 3 3 12
Lease ‐ 2 ‐ ‐ 4
Sell 4 1 2 2 7
Refused, withdrawn 2 5 3 3 ‐
Ongoing ‐ ‐ 1 1 7
Status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Compliant 15 21 19 18 5
Non‐compliant 8 21 10 11 4
Non‐conforming 11 5 12 6 ‐
Exempt or Outdated RPR 7 1 1 ‐ ‐
TOTAL 41 48 42 35 9
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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INQUIRIES, COMPLAINTS AND ENFORCEMENT
Land‐related issues involving inquiries, complaints, and enforcement are addressed by the Planning and
Development department. In July 2016, monthly meetings were set up to review enforcement‐related issues and
determine follow up steps. Initially, 35 enforcement issues were identified and summarized for discussion. 19 of
these enforcement files have been fully addressed and closed. Monthly meetings will continue so that
enforcement issues may be addressed more fully and efficiently.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Municipal Development Plan – Prepare an update to reflect the newly adopted IMDPs with Bassano,
Duchess, Wheatland County and Vulcan County.
County Property – During the process of reviewing County owned land, a number of parcels were
identified to be sold to adjacent landowners. About 50 of these parcels are being offered for sale to
adjacent landowners at market value. So far 12 properties have been sold and are in the process of being
consolidated at the land titles office.
o Through a review of County owned land, approximately 50 parcels were identified to be sold to
adjacent landowners; so far 12 properties have been sold.
County Sustainability Vision – A committee has been set to review the direction for this corporate item.
Hamlet Growth Plans – As part of the sustainability vision for the County, selected Hamlet Growth Plans
may be prepared.
Process / Procedure Mapping – Continue mapping Planning and Development processes and procedures.
o Continued mapping Planning and Development processes and procedures.
Road Closure and Lease or Sale – This project was started in 2014 and then sidelined when Council set
other projects as higher priority. The policy for road closure has been adopted by Council. Existing lease
sites have been mapped. The next step is a full review of the current road closure and lease agreements,
and follow up with landowners to ensure they are in compliance with the policy.
o Reviewed current road closure and lease agreements; updated agreements and lease payment;
registered caveat for lease agreements on lessee’s title(s).
Unauthorized use of County road allowances – This project is to identify and map locations in each
division where landowners are using County road allowances without having a closure or lease agreement
in place. If Council determines that it’s necessary, a policy will be prepared to administer this project.
o Meetings with landowners who are using County road allowances to formalize closure and
lease/sale agreements; ongoing into 2017.
Complaints Tracking – P&D is part of the committee that has been set to determine how to proceed with
this item.
Countess – The road closure is complete. The landowner needs to consolidate the parcels and then the
area can be rezoned so that the Concept Plan may be prepared.
Laserfiche – Use the templates to transfer information about development permits into the system so
that it may be better organized and searched.
o Started the transfer of over 5,000 P&D information and permit files into laserfiche.
Professional Development – The P&D Manager will continue with the Land Analyst Certificate program at
Olds College. This program will help with land administration in the County and registrations at Land
Titles. The Development Clerk will continue with the Alberta Land Use Planning (ALUP) program at the
University of Alberta. This program will help with general understanding of land use planning and
administration.
o The P&D Manager completed the Land Analyst Certificate at Olds College in spring 2016. The
Development Clerk is enrolled in the Alberta Land Use Planning (ALUP) program at the University
of Alberta.
Accreditation – The P&D Manager will research the process required to become an accredited planner
with Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI).
Other accomplishments:
o Land Use Bylaw Update – The final section to be amended in the current Land Use Bylaw 1755‐12
to be completed before the end of 2017.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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o North Headgates ARP – Life safety issues at the North Headgates site were addressed; staff
working with landowner and engineer to prepare and submit a final draft ARP.
o Enforcement – Initiated monthly enforcement meetings to review issues and follow up beginning
in July, 2016.
KEY 2017 PRIORITIES
Amend statutory documents to conform with South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP)
County documents requiring updating so that they comply with the SSRP; prepare the report describing how they
comply with the SSRP.
o County of Newell & City of Brooks IMDP Bylaw 1656‐09
o Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 1705‐10
o Land Use Bylaw 1755‐12
o County of Newell & Village of Duchess IMDP Bylaw 1780‐13
o County of Newell & Town of Bassano IMDP Bylaw 1820‐15
o County of Newell & Vulcan County IDP Bylaw 1829‐15
o County of Newell & Wheatland County IDP Bylaw 1830‐15
o Additional Statutory Plans: 18 Area Structure Plans and 1 Area Redevelopment Plan
Ensure County policies conform with changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA)
County policies that are used in the decision‐making process must be approved by bylaw or resolution
and must be published on the website by Jan 1, 2019.
Tasks: Inventory County P&D policies; prepare bylaws where needed; prepare summary
Prepare/update Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) with adjacent Rural Municipalities
Tasks: Update Vulcan County and Wheatland County IDPs; prepare new IDPs with MD Taber, Cypress
County, Special Areas
Prepare/update Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) with adjacent Urban Municipalities
Tasks: Complete IDP with Rosemary; update Bassano and Duchess IDPs; prepare new Brooks IDP
Land Use Bylaw – updates to comply with MGA changes
Bassano Annexation – 2 annexation applications to be completed in 2017: land being annexed from the Town
of Bassano to the County and land being annexed from the County to the Town of Bassano.
Process / Procedure Mapping – Continue mapping Planning and Development processes and procedures.
Road Closure and Lease or Sale – Complete review of current road closure and lease agreements; continue
with ongoing road closure applications.
Use of County road allowances – Continue to identify and map locations where landowners are using County
road allowances without having a closure or lease agreement in place; contact landowners to set up lease
agreements.
Laserfiche – Continue to transfer information from the Planning and Development drive to laserfiche.
Professional Development – The Development Clerk will continue with the Alberta Land Use Planning (ALUP)
program at the University of Alberta. This program will help with general understanding of land use planning
and administration.
APPI Accreditation – The P&D Manager will research the process required to become an accredited planner
with Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI).
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STAFFING
Planning and Development staffing levels in 2017 are expected to remain consistent with 2016.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Manager of Planning & Development 1 1 1 1 ‐
Planning Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1 ‐
Development Clerk 1 1 1 1 ‐
TOTAL FTE 3 3 3 3 ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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62 – Agricultural Services (ASB)
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
WEED INSPECTION & CONTROL
Maintaining a viable agricultural land base is the ultimate goal behind monitoring and controlling noxious and
prohibited noxious weeds within the 1.5 million acres that make up the County. Through this program, partially
funded through the Agricultural Service Board grant, the County encourages landowners and leaseholders to
reduce the impact of regulated weeds on the lands they manage.
Under the Weed Control Act, the ASB must ensure that noxious weeds do not spread and that prohibited noxious
weeds are destroyed. Significant time is invested spraying weeds and brush on County owned property, roads and
right of ways. Multiple spray units are maintained however, weed control is more than just spraying, it can also be
cultural (practice changes) or mechanical (mowing, picking, tilling).
The County employs 1 full time and 3 seasonal Vegetation Management Technicians to aid in managing close to
500 known weed infestations which are mapped and recorded in a Weed Infestation Database. Weed Inspectors
share best management farming practices with producers to reduce the impact of weeds in the County.
Weed inspection and control services are also provided to other Municipalities within the County on a cost
recovery basis.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Noxious and Prohibited noxious programs come first, Aesthetic programs are second
o Maintained 2 Phragmites Australis sites
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $121,550 $153,500 $142,487 $117,500 ($36,000) (23.45%)
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $183,359 $183,000 $186,359 $183,000 - 0.00%
OTHER $33,521 $7,000 $38,766 $7,000 - 0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $338,431 $343,500 $367,612 $307,500 ($36,000) (10.48%)
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $1,041,747 $1,223,499 $966,794 $1,247,254 $23,755 1.94%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $110,786 $154,810 $102,129 $145,860 ($8,950) (5.78%)
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $245,300 $357,315 $250,243 $364,450 $7,135 2.00%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS - - -$5,500 $5,500 0.00%
OTHER EXPENDITURES ($797) - --- 0.00%
AMORTIZATION $144,930 $150,528 $143,171 $151,785 $1,257 0.84%
TOTAL EXPENSES $1,541,966 $1,886,152 $1,462,338 $1,914,849 $28,697 1.52%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($1,203,536) ($1,542,652) ($1,094,726)($1,607,349)($64,697)4.19%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $144,930 $150,528 $143,171 $151,785 $1,257 0.84%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($8,386) - ($18,728)-- 0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($1,066,991) ($1,392,124) ($970,283)($1,455,564)($63,440)4.56%
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS ($163,248) ($318,500) ($235,880)($298,000)$20,500 (6.44%)
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS $24,300 - $61,540 -- 0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES ($138,948) ($318,500) ($174,340)($298,000)$20,500 (6.44%)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($1,205,940) ($1,710,624) ($1,144,623)($1,753,564)($42,940)2.51%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $169,230 $150,528 $204,711 $151,785 $1,257 0.84%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS ($163,248) ($303,500) ($235,880)($280,000)$23,500 (7.74%)
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $5,982 ($152,972) ($31,169)($128,215)$24,757 (16.18%)
NET FUNDING ($1,211,922) ($1,557,652) ($1,113,454)($1,625,349)($67,697)4.35%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Focus control activities on landowners with expanding populations of weeds such as thistle
o Controlled multiple weed infestation sites
Complete thorough inspection throughout the County to look for new infestations.
o Mapped sites of weed infestations with GPS
Continue developing the Weed Inspection programs within the Urban Municipalities
o Completed year 2 of the weed inspection contract with the City of Brooks (2015, 2016, 2017)
o Successfully completed all contracted spraying services for various customers including other
Municipalities within the County
Increase monitoring of EID canals and ditches
Increase public relations and education efforts to streamline the weed inspection process and have all
parties on the same page in terms of proper weed control.
Improve lines of communication with vegetation management companies so ASB is notified when they
find weeds, rather than letting something go unchecked.
o Worked with landowners and Industry to gain compliance under the Weed Control Act
Other accomplishments:
o Successfully completed road top spraying for Municipal Services
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Noxious and prohibited noxious programs come first, aesthetic programs are second
Focus control activities on landowners with expanding populations of regulated weeds
Complete thorough inspection throughout the County to look for new infestations.
Continue developing the weed inspection programs within the urban municipalities
Increase monitoring of EID canals and ditches
Increase public relations and education efforts to streamline the weed inspection process and have all
parties on the same page in terms of proper weed control.
Improve lines of communication with vegetation management companies so ASB is notified when they
find weeds, rather than letting something go unchecked.
Work with AAF and AEP to maintain/control/contain 2 infestations of Phragmites Australis
Improve road top spraying efficiencies and resource usage
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Red Deer River (48 km)
Roadside Spraying (1,125 miles)
Road top spraying (almost 1500 km)
Bow River (97 km, 1.75 tonnes of Scentless Chamomile picked, 12 days of spraying completed of
Chamomile and others)
COYOTE CONTROL INCENTIVE PROGRAM (CCIP) AND POISONS
The Coyote Control Incentive Program (CCIP) seeks to reduce the number of predation calls investigated by ASB by
reducing the coyote population during the peak predation period. Coyotes are regulated under the Agricultural
Pests Act and this program is funded in part by the ASB Grant.
When coyote incidents occur ASB completes an investigation, recommends practice changes to the landowner,
provides education on proper coyote control methods and as a last resort will use poisons to control these
predators. ASB staff is trained to hunt dens and eliminate the problems before they start by controlling pups when
they are young.
When the Province removed coyotes from its list of qualified predators it was determined that it would be more
cost effective for the County to provide an incentive for hunters, rather than hiring staff, in order to control coyote
populations. The current incentive offered is $15/coyote.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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A coyote survey is completed every year and sent to Regulatory services which are used as a guide to ensure our
programs are not having a detrimental effect on the coyote populations. A good ecosystem has to have all animals
and we don’t want to create problems by eliminating others.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promote best management practices with producers
Reduce the amount of poisons issued for coyote control
o Distributed 18 1080 Pills
o Investigated 6 complaints
o Harvested approximately 1,058 coyotes under CCIP
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Promote best management practices with producers
Reduce the amount of poisons issued for coyote control
PEST INSPECTION AND SURVEYS
Monitoring for pests under the Agricultural Pests Act is completed through surveys and inspections are performed
in response to reports from ratepayers. Surveying assists in determining the level of infestation and helps
determine an appropriate response. Surveys are currently completed for fusarium graminearum, bacterial ring
rot, clubroot and grasshoppers.
To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading bacterial ring rot and other potato diseases ASB is equipped to
provide disinfecting services to producers for their potato equipment and storage sheds.
Rat control is included here as well. ASB investigates all rat sightings and where an infestation is confirmed control
measures are put in place to keep Alberta rat free.
Educational materials are provided to ratepayers and industry partners on the damaging effects pests can have on
producers as well as best management practices to mitigate infestations. Communication is key with many emails
being sent to Environmental consultants, meetings held as needed and fielding several phone calls on the subject.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Educating ratepayers and industry on their responsibility to reduce the impact of pests
o Surveyed over 220 canola fields for clubroot
o Surveyed 2 locations in every township for grasshoppers
o Surveyed 18 wheat fields for fusarium graminearum
o Surveyed 8 corn fields for Fusarium
o Surveyed 6 fields for bacterial ring rot
o Sterilized 1 potato storage facility and associated equipment
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Educating ratepayers and industry on their responsibility to reduce the impact of pests
RURAL BEAUTIFICATION
The Rural Beautification Award was established to recognize those residents that put countless hours into
beautifying their yards and thus the County of Newell. The criteria for the program was changed for 2014 to
encourage participation in the program.
The program costs approximately $15 per person, produces a positive image for the County and provides ASB with
an opportunity to build positive relationships with ratepayers on a non‐enforcement basis.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Improve advertising strategy
Increase nominations and tour participants
o 10 yards nominated for the award (2015 – 11 yards)
o Hosted tour with 66 participants (2015 – 48 participants)
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Improve advertising strategy
Increase nominations
SOIL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
ASB administers the Soil Conservation Act within the County. It is our duty to keep the soil in the field that it
belongs too. This program has been effective in establishing shelterbelts throughout the County and encouraging
the adoption of zero and minimal till farming which has drastically reduced the time commitment required in this
area. However, there are still times that a Notice to Remedy Soil Erosion must be issued.
Various equipment and snow fencing is available to assist producers that may need to provide cover or rectify soil
erosion issue. Drills are also available for rent to support no till farming and a conventional system to be used after
specialty crops.
The shelterbelt tree planting program also supports soil conservation. Shelterbelts limit soil erosion, promote
snow retention, reduce feeding costs for confined feeding operations (less wind = less feed to stay warm), provide
wildlife habitat and protect livestock from the wind. ASB arranges for transportation of the trees from the Tree
Time website and Staff will assist with the unloading and sorting of the trees. Moving forward ASB will partner with
the Partners in Habitat Development (PHD) program to order trees for landowners from Tree Time but the trees
will be at the cost of the individuals doing the planting.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Get more trees in 2016
Increasing the drill acres
Promote Best Management Practices
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Get more trees in 2017
Increasing the drill acres
Promote Best Management Practices
MOWING PROGRAMS
There are two distinct mowing programs managed by ASB. The roadside mowing program helps facilitate proper
drainage and reduces flooding. It also promotes road safety by reducing snow drifting and opening up sight lines
which reduces all types of vehicle accidents. Approximately 4,000 miles (one way) of roadside are mowed twice
per season with a 15 foot pass, except for high traffic roads which receive a 25‐30 foot pass.
About 500 hours of mowing is completed in Hamlets, around County Facilities and map signs, subdivisions,
airports, for ratepayers (under policy) and in other areas under contract such as Alberta Conservation Association
(ACA) Parking Lots, Aqueduct Trout Pond and the interpretive centre. Currently ASB does not mow every
subdivision due to safety hazards caused by thrown rocks. Mowing creates aesthetically pleasing areas for people
to use.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Increase efficiencies in order to work more in other subdivisions and on other programs with the same
staff
Determine realistic levels of service for maintained areas
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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o Approximately 4,000 miles of roadside mowed (both sides)
o 700 hours spent mowing in subdivisions, hamlets, etc.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Increase efficiencies in order to work more in other subdivisions and on other programs with the same
staff
Determine realistic levels of service for maintained areas
ROADSIDE SEEDING
Roadside seeding is completed after construction projects to reduce soil erosion and prevent weed infestations.
The time commitment for this program is dependent on construction and drainage projects completed in a given
year but typically takes a few staff a few weeks each year. Seeding is generally completed in late fall as resources
become available. Fall seeding also prevents the seed from germinating until spring and takes advantage of spring
moisture.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Coordinate our work plans with Municipal Services
Complete cost comparison of hydro seeded sites
o Seeded 70 miles of road ditch (both sides)
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Coordinate our work plans with Municipal Services
Complete cost comparison of hydro seeded sites
ALBERTA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION CONTRACT (ACA)
Agricultural Services works with the ACA on shelterbelt plantings, reseeding of grass and has a contract with ACA
to manage the Aqueduct Trout Pond area, Millicent BFW parking lots, Sproule property Parking lots and the
Interlake parking lot. Work at the Aqueduct Trout Pond includes mowing grass, removing garbage on a weekly
basis, maintaining the road and spraying for weeds as required. Nails left over from pallet fires are also removed
with a magnet. This work helps ensure an aesthetically pleasing, well maintained recreational area for our
ratepayers.
KEY 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Maintained appropriately, came in under budget
Worked with ACA to get new garbage receptacles
Worked with Shannyn Creary on a family fishing day hosted at the Trout Pond
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Staff maintain a fleet of 13 vehicles, 16 sprayers, 3 tractors, 4 ride on mowers, roadside mowing units, 4 UTV’s,
livestock equipment and other miscellaneous equipment. Having well‐trained staff complete repairs and
maintenance limits the time that a piece of equipment is out of service and reduces the need for major repairs.
ASB also fabricates sprayers. Of the 16 sprayers in the fleet all but 3 have been built in‐house. The cost of a
sprayer built in‐house and the cost of buying a similar model are comparable. However, the knowledge of how the
sprayers are designed is invaluable when it comes to troubleshooting any issues that arise in the field.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Improving staff skills and improve efficiency of completing repairs
Focus on preventative maintenance
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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OTHER AWARDS
ASB nominates a farm family for the Calgary Stampede Farm Family awards each year. This program is well
received by the nominees and helps create a positive image for the hard‐working farmers of our region.
ASB also manages the County’s 100‐year Farm awards. This award recognizes those farm operations that have
been in the area for 100 years. To date no one has been awarded the 100 Year Farm award and ASB will be
promoting this program moving forward.
FACILITY MAINTENANCE
Agriculture services oversees the maintenance of County facilities including Fire and Emergency Services buildings
and other County owned facilities/property.
Facilities are maintained at an appropriate level through efficient relationships with contractors, thorough
maintenance schedules and a dedicated staff member to manage these activities. Although the County does not
have staff on hand that can deal with all potential issues that may arise with the facilities, good contacts have been
made with companies that can assist in these areas.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Maintain all County facilities
o Worked with contractors to maintain all facilities
o Installed more ornamental trees
o Ensured the old administration building was functioning
o Maintained and re-signed contracts for maintenance outside of our area of expertise (elevators,
HVAC, plumbing, heating, cooling, hotsy’s, overhead hoists, chemical water treatment)
Work with Fire and Emergency Services to get their facilities in proper working order
Use Work Tech to schedule maintenance activities
Ensure proper preventative maintenance schedule is in place and used for all facility equipment
Other accomplishments:
o Designed the new storage facility and prepared the tender package
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Maintain all County facilities
Work with Fire and Emergency Services to get their facilities in proper working order
Use Work Tech to schedule maintenance activities
Ensure proper preventative maintenance schedule is in place and used for all facility equipment
Oversee construction of the new storage facility
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES STAFFING
Agricultural Services staffing levels in 2017 are expected to remain consistent with 2016.
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES POSITION LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Director of Agricultural Services 1111 ‐
Manager of Agricultural Services 1111 ‐
Facility Maintenance Attendant 1 1 1 1 ‐
Agricultural Service Supervisor 1111 ‐
Agricultural Technicians 2 2 2 2 ‐
Agricultural Equipment Operators 2 3 3 3 ‐
Agricultural Seasonal Labourers 1.92 2.31 2.31 2.31 ‐
Vegetation Management Technicians 2.54 2.54 2.54 2.54 ‐
TOTAL FTE 12.46 13.85 13.85 13.85 ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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63 – Community Services
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Services and programs provided under this function include; the County of Newell Mini Bus Service, the Victims
Assistance Program administered through a partnership arrangement with the RCMP, and the Safe and Caring
Communities Program which is a joint partnership arrangement administered by the City of Brooks.
MINI BUS SERVICE
The Mini Bus service offers rides for individuals that require transportation to and from their place of residence
for a variety of needs. The primary users of the service are seniors along with a limited number of individuals who
have special transportation needs due to limited mobility. The service operates daily during the week in
accordance with a fixed schedule. It provides pick up service at the residence and makes stops on an as need basis
within the City of Brooks, for a variety of appointments and or shopping needs.
The bus is equipped with a wheel chair lift but patrons must be able to look after their basic needs and be mobile
enough to get around without assistance from the bus driver, or be accompanied by another able‐bodied person
who can provide the assistance they require.
A nominal fee of $10 per patron per round trip is charged for the service.
Consideration is being given to expanding the service in 2017 to include an occasional special trip to Medicine Hat
for groups of individuals who have specific needs that cannot be filled in Brooks, if a core number of riders commit
to participate and also pay an increased fee for the enhanced service.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $9,030 $7,000 $10,010 $7,000 -0.00%
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $6,398 $6,398 $6,398 $6,398 -0.00%
OTHER -----0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $15,428 $13,398 $16,408 $13,398 -0.00%
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $88,141 $82,448 $90,920 $84,271 $1,823 2.21%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $2,955 $5,000 $3,385 $5,550 $550 11.00%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $39,950 $25,350 $21,446 $25,350 -0.00%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $21,175 $21,175 $17,675 $21,175 -0.00%
AMORTIZATION - $7,857 $4,551 $11,922 $4,065 51.74%
TOTAL EXPENSES $152,221 $141,830 $137,977 $148,268 $6,438 4.54%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($136,793) ($128,432) ($121,569)($134,870)($6,438) 5.01%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION - $7,857 $4,551 $11,922 $4,065 51.74%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($136,793) ($120,575) ($117,018)($122,948)($2,373) 1.97%
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - ($110,000) ($93,967)-$110,000 (100.00%)
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ---0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES - ($110,000) ($93,967)-$110,000 (100.00%)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($136,793) ($230,575) ($210,985)($122,948)$107,627 (46.68%)
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS - $7,857 $4,551 $11,922 $4,065 51.74%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - ($110,000) ($93,967)-$110,000 (100.00%)
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS - ($102,143) ($89,416)$11,922 $114,065 (111.67%)
NET FUNDING ($136,793) ($128,432) ($121,569)($134,870)($6,438) 5.01%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 70
A new bus was purchased and placed in service in October 2016. As a result, a decision is required regarding the
disposition of the high kilometre unit that was acquired in 2008.
The service operates a regular schedule which provides rotating coverage for various areas in the County. The
schedule for the service by area covered is summarized below.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday *Thursday Friday
Tilley Scandia Gem/Duchess
OR
Patricia
Rolling Hills Bassano
* The schedule on Wednesdays alternates between Gem/Duchess and Patricia
NOTE: There is no service on statutory holidays
Periodic informal discussions are ongoing between the County, the City of Brooks, and other Communities that
participated in a Regional Transportation Review that commenced in 2013 and culminated with the preparation of
a Newell Regional Transportation Projects Business Plan submitted in February 2015. Formal steps to proceed
with the implementation of a Regional Service have been put on hold for the time being. This service may once
again be the focus of discussions during the process of negotiating and implementing Intermunicipal Collaborative
Frameworks following the anticipated passage of the Modernized Municipal Government Act.
VICTIMS ASSISTANCE & THE SAFE AND CARING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
The Victims Assistance Program was originally approved through a three‐year funding commitment made in late
2012.
The Safe and Caring Communities Program was a small‐scale program that had a very limited budget and no formal
staff position allocated to oversee the program.
A request has been submitted through the Joint Services Committee to combine these programs, broaden the
scope, and significantly increase funding previously allocated. The additional funding together with a renewed and
extended commitment will help ensure the objectives that have been set for this function are achieved.
COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFFING
Community Services staffing levels in 2017 are expected to remain consistent with 2016.
COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Mini Bus Driver Supervisor 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 ‐
Mini Bus Driver 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 ‐
TOTAL FTE 1 1 1 1 ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 71
64 – Economic Development
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Effective January 1, 2016, responsibility for the Newell Regional Economic Development program was transferred
to the City of Brooks. With that change, the County’s direct involvement in the program has been reduced to an
annual funding allocation and representation of Council members that have been appointed to the Joint Services
Committee.
Economic development initiatives are overseen by a Joint Services Committee that is comprised of the Chief
Elected Officials of each of the Municipalities in the Region, as well representatives from the Eastern Irrigation
District and Grasslands Regional Schools.
The Joint Services Committee has developed a set of Strategic Focus Areas, which include Entrepreneurship,
Business Retention and Expansion, Investment Readiness and Attraction, Branding and Marketing/Promotions.
City of Brooks staff members are responsible for coordinating the Newell Region’s Economic Development efforts
and implementing activities that have been approved through the budget that has been allocated for that purpose.
Information pertaining to the Newell Regional Economic Development programs can be accessed through the
following links or by contacting City of Brooks staff members at 403‐362‐3333, or by email at jsurgenor@brooks.ca
Important Links:
Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Badlands
Chinook Entre‐Corp/Community Futures
County of Newell
Live Newell
Navigate Newell
Newell Proud
Travel Alberta
Visit Newell ‐ Newell Regional Tourism Association
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $182,910 $155,839 --($155,839) (100.00%)
OTHER -----0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $182,910 $155,839 --($155,839) (100.00%)
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $218,458 $192,536 $28 -($192,536) (100.00%)
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $40,112 $67,600 $3,441 $15,038 ($52,562) (77.75%)
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $11,982 $18,640 --($18,640) (100.00%)
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $78,436 $43,438 $156,064 $177,437 $133,999 308.48%
AMORTIZATION $14,382 $14,383 $14,382 $14,383 -0.00%
TOTAL EXPENSES $363,370 $336,597 $173,915 $206,858 ($129,739) (38.54%)
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($180,460) ($180,758) ($173,915)($206,858)($26,100)14.44%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $14,382 $14,383 $14,382 $14,383 -0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($166,078) ($166,375) ($159,533)($192,475)($26,100)15.69%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($166,078) ($166,375) ($159,533)($192,475)($26,100)15.69%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $7,191 $7,192 $7,191 $7,192 -0.00%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ---0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $7,191 $7,192 $7,191 $7,192 -0.00%
NET FUNDING ($173,269) ($173,567) ($166,724)($199,667)($26,100)15.04%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 72
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFFING
Economic Development staffing levels are expected to decrease by 2.00 FTE in 2017 as the department was closed
in 2016.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Manager of Economic Development 1 1 1 ‐ (1.00)
Market Researcher 1 1 1 ‐ (1.00)
Summer Student 0.25 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
Communications ‐ 0.5 ‐ ‐ ‐
TOTAL FTE 2.25 2.50 2.00 0.00 (2.00)
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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66 – Subdivision
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
This function relates to the control and management of County owned land. The majority of the land in question
has been acquired through various means that include various reserves or public utility parcels dedicated through
the development approval process, obtained through the tax forfeiture and recovery process, abandoned road
plans or, small fragmented and abandoned parcels previously owned by community groups, cemetery companies
or abandoned rail roads, etc.
In 2014, Administration and Council reviewed a comprehensive report on these properties. Council direction was
provided regarding the future disposition and or ongoing management of these lands. Administrative and
operational costs that relate to the ongoing responsibility for the maintenance and management of these
properties are being accounted for primarily through Municipal Services, ASB, Planning and Development, and
Finance.
The County continues to pursue measures that relate to the ongoing management of County owned lands. Those
efforts include investigating and proceeding with leasing or selling the lands in question.
The primary objective is to increase utilization of the land currently held by the County. That includes the potential
sale of land that has been deemed surplus to the County’s present and future needs. The sale and consolidation
with adjacent privately held property will reduce potential risks involved with County ownership and ensure that
these properties, which are currently exempt from assessment, will be subject to assessment and become part of
the productive land base that contributes to the local economy.
Progress has been made during the past year but considerable ongoing effort will be required over the course of
the next few years as the County continues to implement the direction that Council has set for these surplus
properties.
Costs incurred that relate to this function will cover a range of expenses that include: advertising, land title fees,
legal fees, site improvements, etc.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
The key objective to be accomplished as a result of this process is to ensure that the County is proactively
managing potential risks that relate to the ownership of the properties in question and that these lands are put to
a higher and better use than has historically been achieved.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
EXPENSES
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) - - ---0.00%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - - ---0.00%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ---0.00%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ---0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - ---0.00%
NET FUNDING -----0.00%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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71 – Recreation
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Recreation services within the County of Newell are provided through various arrangements. They include joint
agreements between the County and some of the urban communities within, and situations where recreation
funds are allocated to various groups or recreation facilities by a Board whose membership represents recreation
service providers within the respective electoral division.
Prior to 2017, funding allocated for recreation was raised through a special recreational mill rate with the Boards
determining the amount that would be generated from within their respective division on an annual basis. In
some cases, where no facilities are located within the boundaries of the electoral division, these funds are
allocated by the Board to organizations that provide programs which can be accessed by residents of the area. In
other circumstances where recreation or community facilities are located within the Division, the Board may
approve the allocation of funds which can be utilized to offset operating costs for these facilities.
2016 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A Recreation Review was completed in 2016 to deliver information on five main objectives:
Compile a listing of facilities in the region
Summarize the revenue and expense details for each facility
Summarize the expected useful life remaining for each facility
Summarize the financial capacity available to replace facilities in the region
Summarize the usage rates for each facility
The Recreation Review identified 91 facilities throughout the region which require significant subsidies from
general property tax revenues to cover their annual expenses. The average expected useful life remaining on the
facilities is approximately 25 years. The facilities are currently insured at a replacement cost of approximately
$126 million and have an estimated future replacement cost of $358 million. There is approximately $2.5 million
available in savings for future replacement/rehabilitation of the facilities, indicating the ability to replace the
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SPECIAL LEVIES $307,382 $331,318 $311,243 -($331,318) (100.00%)
OTHER $7,750 $9,000 $6,817 $9,000 -0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $315,131 $340,318 $318,060 $9,000 ($331,318) (97.36%)
EXPENSES
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $7,750 $9,000 $6,667 $9,000 -0.00%
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $150 $150 $150 $150 -0.00%
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $608,016 $662,635 $624,659 $1,682,715 $1,020,080 153.94%
TOTAL EXPENSES $615,916 $671,785 $631,477 $1,691,865 $1,020,080 151.85%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($300,785) ($331,467) ($313,416)($1,682,865)($1,351,398)407.70%
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES $16,423 - ($11,999)--0.00%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($284,361) ($331,467) ($325,416)($1,682,865)($1,351,398)407.70%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($284,361) ($331,467) ($325,416)($1,682,865)($1,351,398)407.70%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - -$1,417,008 $1,417,008 0.00%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - -($1,000,000)($1,000,000)0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - -$417,008 $417,008 0.00%
NET FUNDING ($284,361) ($331,467) ($325,416)($2,099,873)($1,768,406)533.51%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 75
facilities is low. Usage rates of the facilities were unable to be determined with any degree of accuracy as there is
no real consistency or standard by which facilities track their usage.
One of the main outcomes of the review was a recognition that recreation is a regional service. As such, the
individual recreation mill rates which varied from a low of 0.0244 mills (Patricia) to a high of 0.3011 mills (Tilley)
were eliminated in 2017, and were replaced with an increase in the municipal mill rate across all assessment
categories of 0.50 mills. The funds from this mill rate increase will be used to support the 2017 recreation
operating budget and raised an additional $1.4 million which will be set aside in the newly created Recreation
restricted surplus fund.
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Develop standardized criteria for funding recreation operating expenses
Develop standardized reporting requirements for recreation services
Determine which existing facilities should be replaced/upgraded at the end of their useful lives
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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72 – Parks & Programs
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
EMERSON BRIDGE PARK CAMPGROUND
The Province gave Emerson Bridge Park Campground to the County in the early 1980’s. The park operated
primarily as a wilderness camping area until early 2000 when the County decided to lease out the operation. It
was noticed that the Park infrastructure was deteriorating under the third‐party lease holder and in 2008 the
decision was made to run it in house again and invest in the Park. Agricultural Services oversees operations,
maintenance, and improvements of the campground.
Initial plans had a 5‐year goal for completing improvements in the Park. Total cost of the upgrades completed to
date is approximately $767,000 or $11,984 invested per camp site. Some of the upgrades completed include:
addition of power sites, a sani‐dump, showers, washrooms, irrigation, levelled and organized sites, cell phone
reception, full time seasonal managers, proper mowing and spraying and general repairs to buildings, tables, fire
pits, etc.
Emerson Bridge Campground has a total of 64 designated campsites, 36 of which are power sites, 22 non‐power
sites and six overflow sites. The average occupancy of the campground during the 112‐night season in 2016 (2015 ‐
119 nights) was 34% (2015 – 35%). Occupancy rates need to increase if the campground is to be sustainable.
Revenues from Park operations have steadily increased since beginning the infrastructure revitalization, from less
than $20,000 in 2008 to $86,000 in 2016. However, property tax payers continue to subsidize the costs of the
campground.
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
SALES OF GOODS & SERVICES $57,004 $75,388 $87,254 $73,900 ($1,488) (1.97%)
GRANTS FOR OPERATING $21,831 - --- 0.00%
OTHER $1,431 $1,000 $66,515 $1,000 - 0.00%
TOTAL REVENUE $80,266 $76,388 $153,769 $74,900 ($1,488) (1.95%)
EXPENSES
SALARIES, WAGES AND BENEFITS $17,579 $21,808 $22,273 $22,649 $841 3.86%
CONTRACTED & GENERAL SERVICES $24,958 $60,000 $42,404 $39,775 ($20,225) (33.71%)
MATERIALS, GOODS, SUPPLIES & UTILITIES $69,800 $104,745 $104,632 $81,750 ($22,995) (21.95%)
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $367 - --- 0.00%
AMORTIZATION $30,209 $30,204 $41,824 $62,824 $32,620 108.00%
TOTAL EXPENSES $142,912 $216,757 $211,133 $206,998 ($9,759) (4.50%)
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($62,645) ($140,369) ($57,364)($132,098)$8,271 (5.89%)
ITEMS NOT INVOLVING CASH:
AMORTIZATION $30,209 $30,204 $41,824 $62,824 $32,620 108.00%
CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ($59,851)-- 0.00%
(GAIN) LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - ($1,103)-- 0.00%
CHANGE IN NON-CASH ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS & CAPITAL GRANTS ($32,437) ($110,165) ($76,494)($69,274)$40,891 (37.12%)
CAPITAL ACTIVITIES:
ACQUISITION OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - ($29,000) ($85,043)($165,000)($136,000)468.97%
CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - $59,851 -- 0.00%
PROCEEDS ON DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS - - $5,000 -- 0.00%
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CAPITAL ACTIVITIES - ($29,000) ($20,192)($165,000)($136,000)468.97%
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ($32,437) ($139,165) ($96,686)($234,274)($95,109)68.34%
TRANSFERS TO RESTRICTED SURPLUS $19,534 $19,530 $30,829 $36,558 $17,028 87.19%
TRANSFERS FROM RESTRICTED SURPLUS - - --- 0.00%
NET TRANSFERS TO (FROM) RESTRICTED SURPLUS $19,534 $19,530 $30,829 $36,558 $17,028 87.19%
NET FUNDING ($51,971) ($158,695) ($127,516)($270,832)($112,137)70.66%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 77
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Increase maintenance efficiencies
Increase occupancy rates
Determine if a concession is feasible
o Contracted out a concession service
Rebuild the rotting camp kitchen
o Rebuilt the camp kitchen
Other accomplishments:
o Received several positive comments from park patrons
o Increased revenues
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Increase maintenance efficiencies
Increase occupancy rates
Increase the number of power sites available
PARKS AND RECREATION
Agriculture Services oversees some of the maintenance and responsibilities included in Parks and Recreation. Our
typical duties in the past have been just vegetation maintenance but in 2013 it was decided to include playground
equipment inspection and repair. As we have now incorporated Tilley into our realm of responsibility there is some
more work needed in that area.
In most cases around the County recreation facilities are operated and maintained by third parties. This includes
Community Halls, Arenas, Curling Rinks, etc.
KEY 2016 PRIORITIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Complete 2016 annual playground inspection
o All playground inspections and upgrades complete
Reduce risk/liability at the Tilley Playground
o Assisted with replacement of Tilley playground equipment
Other accomplishments:
o Maintained proper vegetation management on all sites
2017 KEY PRIORITIES
Complete 2017 annual playground inspections
PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF LIST
2014 2015 2016 2017 chg/16
Emerson Bridge Park Supervisors 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 ‐
TOTAL FTE 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 ‐
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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74 – Library
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED
Library services throughout the County of Newell, are provided through the County of Newell Library Board which
is a separate Corporate entity whose members are appointed by County Council. The Board consists of ten (10)
members (nine members at large and one member of Council). The Library Board was created through a bylaw
passed by the County of Newell Council in 1977. The Governing Legislation that applies to the operation of the
Board is the Libraries Act.
The County of Newell Library Board is a member of the Shortgrass Regional Library System. Funds generated for
library services through the municipal mill rate are allocated to the Shortgrass Regional Library system and the
County of Newell Library Board. The County of Newell Library Board in turn redirects the revenue received from
the County to the individual library service centers operating within the County of Newell.
Those locations include a combination of dedicated municipal library service facilities operating in the City of
Brooks, the Town of Bassano, and the Village of Duchess. Joint service facilities that utilize libraries in a number of
schools operated by Grasslands Regional Schools are also funded. Those joint use facility locations include: the
Alcoma School in Rainier, Rolling Hills, Rosemary and Tilley. A small standalone library service is also operated by
funding through the County of Newell Library Board in the Hamlet of Gem.
The local libraries and populations served (based on the 2009 census) are as follows:
Alcoma Community Library 727
Brooks Public Library 2,323
Tilley and District Library 667
Duchess and District Library 1,300
Bassano and District Library 567
Rolling Hills Public Library 576
Gem Jubilee Library 525
Rosemary Community Library 416
2015 2016 2016 2017 Budget Budget
Actual Budget Actual Budget $chg/16 %chg/16
REVENUE
EXPENSES
TRANSFERS TO ORGANIZATIONS $152,759 $154,470 $154,470 $155,326 $856 0.55%
TOTAL EXPENSES $152,759 $154,470 $154,470 $155,326 $856 0.55%
ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($152,759) ($154,470) ($154,470)($155,326)($856) 0.55%
NET FUNDING ($152,759) ($154,470) ($154,470)($155,326)($856) 0.55%
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 79
APPENDICIES
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 80
Appendix I – 2017 Tangible Capital Asset Budget Items
DEPARTMENT TYPE DESCRIPTION TOTAL COST R.SURPLUS TAXES
Administration Machinery & Equipment Website Redesign 30,000 30,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Server Recovery Management Licenses 15,000 15,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Cloud Computing & Storage 25,000 25,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Fire Suppression Systems 80,000 80,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment GeoExplorer XH HandHeld 3.5G 35,000 35,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Printer 22,000 22,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Printer 13,000 13,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Common Operating Picture 35,000 35,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Diamond 56,000 56,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Laserfiche 66,000 66,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment Community Engagement - DMZ 35,000 35,000
Administration Machinery & Equipment WorkTech/Pearl 74,000 74,000
Administration Buildings New Storage Facility 1,915,440 1,915,440
Agricultural Services Vehicles 3/4 ton crew cab 110,000 110,000
Agricultural Services Vehicles 1 ton crew cab 65,000 65,000
Agricultural Services Machinery & Equipment 30 foot tilt/flat deck 18,000 18,000
Agricultural Services Machinery & Equipment 25 foot conventional drill 75,000 75,000
Agricultural Services Machinery & Equipment 15 foot roadside mower 30,000 30,000
Bylaw Enforcement Machinery & Equipment Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) 18,000 18,000
Bylaw Enforcement Machinery & Equipment
AVL Hardware - True Link 3000 11,000 11,000
Disaster & Emergency Services Vehicles 1/2 ton truck 55,000 55,000
Fire Vehicles Tender - Bassano 358,595 358,595
Fire Vehicles Tender - Rolling Hills 358,595 358,595
Fire Vehicles Bush buggy - Rosemary 175,000 175,000
Fire Buildings Scandia Fire Hall - washroom 26,000 26,000
Fire Machinery & Equipment Tilley fuel tank compound fencing addition 4,500 4,500
Fleet Services Machinery & Equipment Light Duty Lift 30,000 30,000
Parks & Programs Land Improvements Emerson new power sites 75,000 75,000
Parks & Programs Engineered Structures Emerson Entrance repaving 90,000 90,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Machinery & Equipment
Quad belly dump 85,000 85,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Machinery & Equipment Quad belly dump 90,000 90,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Machinery & Equipment Tri-axle Pup 65,000 65,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Vehicles 3 tonne flat deck truck 140,000 140,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Vehicles 2500 4x4 crew cab 45,000 45,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Vehicles 2500 4x4 crew cab 45,000 45,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Machinery & Equipment Trench Roller 55,000 55,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Machinery & Equipment Automatic greaser - heavy trucks 48,000 48,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Machinery & Equipment Automatic greaser - trailers 12,000 12,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures EID Partnership 1,500,000 1,500,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Redelback local improvement plan 3,000,000 3,000,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures East Gem Road - preliminary work` 80,000 80,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Bridge File 72060 replacement 82,800 82,800
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Railway crossing - RR 132 55,000 55,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Railway crossing - RR 142 55,000 55,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Railway crossing - RR 154 55,000 55,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Railway crossing - RR 155 55,000 55,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Railway crossing - RR 125 55,000 55,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - TR174 from RR173 to RR171 86,400 86,400
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - RR163 from HWY539 to TR164 259,200 259,200
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - TR164 from RR162 to RR163 43,200 43,200
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - RR161 from TR154 to HWY 873 259,200 259,200
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - TR154 from RR161 to Scandia 64,800 64,800
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - TR154 from HWY 36 to RR152 86,400 86,400
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - RR152 from HWY 530 toTR160 172,800 172,800
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - RR160 from TR170 to TR172 86,400 86,400
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Shoulder Pull - Old #1 from HWY875 to Tilley 270,000 270,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Gravel road construction - contingency 201,600 201,600
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Drainage - Fleury South of TR192N 85,000 85,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Drainage - Old #1 and RR142 100,000 100,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Drainage - RR141 & TR191 35,000 35,000
Roads, Streets, Walks, Lighting Engineered Structures Drainage - RR142 HWY 1 to TR190 100,000 100,000
TOTAL 11,273,930 4,256,430 7,017,500
FUNDING SOURCE
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 81
Appendix II – 10 Year Fleet & Equipment Replacement by Type
Type 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
1 Ton 118,533 54,058 41,567 61,357 56,354 75,132 61,672
1/2 Ton 32,509 48,227 168,321 164,875
2 Ton 84,105 123,660 97,638 80,631
3/4 Ton 45,301 41,772 37,015 101,204 157,358 225,801 105,752
4 Ton 97,739 83,642
SUV 34,885 73,450 44,303
All Terrain 40,624 15,693 18,143 46,934 18,210 20,873
Attachments 22,877 275,345 28,139
Transit Bus 111,087
Chipper 56,580
Farm Implements 13,000 63,776 11,342 10,791 76,693 67,185 146,625
Fire Apparatus 432,600 1,123,600 957,950
Graders 783,034 411,867 1,626,358 959,200 248,025 908,318 475,847 1,887,190 1,117,600
Gravel Truck 291,511 29,605 329,192 339,841 279,584
Hvy Construction Equipment
Implements 4,920
Packer 10,900 48,498
Plow 44,809 296,083 366,978
Rental Equipment 11,000 11,130
Semi Tractor 189,263
Snow Blower 128,700 158,301
Sprayer 15,408 3,605 20,827 3,270 55,368 11,900 41,076 12,782
Tools & Shop Equipment 40,281 24,102 20,622 42,372 12,035 12,698 20,833 27,612
Tractor 212,236 290,513 407,098 372,900 265,808 427,762 420,839 451,071
Trailer 42,154 2,575 229,973 41,289 85,912 40,559 77,828 18,748 173,700
Turf Equipment 29,500 4,635 69,377 35,380 106,487 36,252 38,735
Water Truck 156,486 169,020
TOTAL 1,410,885 1,845,070 3,536,896 1,849,132 1,471,571 1,942,384 2,401,245 3,239,781 1,992,848 1,714,498
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 82
Appendix III – 10 Year Capital Plan
Capital Project 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Drainage Projects (EID partnership) 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000
Gravel Road Rehabilitation 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000 1,850,000
Paving ‐ Hwy 873 ‐ Including Hwy 535 20,060,000
TOTAL 3,350,000 3,350,000 3,350,000 3,350,000 3,350,000 23,410,000 3,350,000 3,350,000 3,350,000 3,350,000
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 83
Appendix IV – Purchasing Policy
COUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4 ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2011‐PAD‐051
TITLE: PURCHASING
ADOPTED: September 8, 2011 (C‐304/11) SUPERCEDES NO: 2008‐PAD‐051
TO BE
REVIEWED:
PAGE NO: 1 of 2
POLICY PURPOSE:
Set purchases and expenditure limits for the County
Ensure that consistent procedure is followed regarding purchases
Ensure that items purchased have been approved through the budget process or by separate resolution of
Council
RESPONSIBILITIES & GUIDELINES:
This policy is designed to provide direction for purchasing. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO):
shall be responsible to ensure all bills like utilities, telephone, insurance, cell phone, payroll, payroll & GST
remittances, etc. are paid in a timely matter to avoid any penalties to the County. These types of
purchases and payments will be authorized from the Manager of Finance and in most cases be a direct
online payment.
shall be responsible for all purchases and expenditures of the County of Newell as set out below in Table
#1.
may, in writing, delegate, revoke or amend purchasing authorities to any employee or employees of the
County of Newell.
shall ensure that before purchases are made there is sufficient room in the current budget to
accommodate the purchases.
may authorize up to $50,000.00 for any purchase that is not included in the approved budget with
funding to be drawn from reserves, contingencies, or reallocations within the existing approved budget.
Expenditures of this nature require that Council be notified, in writing, at their next regular meeting.
shall ensure every employee whom purchasing authority has been delegated is familiar with the policy
and any other purchasing regulations that are in place.
shall ensure the overall current budget has capacity for all purchases approved and expenditures made by
the County of Newell No. 4.
shall provide the Manager of Finance with the list of purchasing delegations and limits initially and any
time there is a change to the authorizations.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 84
COUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4 ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2011‐PAD‐051
TITLE: PURCHASING
ADOPTED: September 8, 2011 (C‐304/11) SUPERCEDES NO: 2008‐PAD‐051
TO BE
REVIEWED:
PAGE NO: 2 of 2
SIGNING AUTHORITIES:
For direct debit shall be the Manager of Finance or the Accounting Supervisor. All direct debits must be approved
by the CAO or Deputy CAO.
For purchases up to $350,000 shall be one of either the CAO or Deputy CAO and one of either the Manager of
Finance or Accounting Supervisor.
For purchases over $350,000, once approved by County Council shall be either the CAO or Deputy CAO and one of
either the Manager of Finance or Accounting Supervisor.
TABLE #1:
Amount Category Competitive
Pricing Required Purchase Orders or Invoices
Up to $2,000 Incidental
Purchases No
Signed by the individual that ordered or received
the goods and signed by their immediate
supervisor for approval. Ordered locally where
possible.
$2,001 to $25,000 Purchases Yes
Purchases must be done with competitive pricing.
Goods and services must be purchased a qualified
supplier that submits the lowest bid.
$25,001 to $350,000 Purchases Yes
Purchases must be advertised on the County
Website, Alberta Purchasing Connection were
required.
Greater than
$350,000 Purchases Yes
Purchases must be advertised on County
Website, Alberta Purchasing Connection and
must be awarded and approved by County
Council.
All Tenders Services &
Supplies Yes
Must be advertised on the County Website, and
at least one local newspaper & Alberta
Purchasing Connection where required. This does
not apply for purchases from vendors that have
been pre‐qualified.
Up to $200 Petty Cash No
Purchase through petty cash must be signed by
the purchaser, their supervisor and the custodian
of the petty cash
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Appendix V – Investment Policy
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2014‐PAD‐032
TITLE: INVESTMENT POLICY
ADOPTED: September 11, 2014 (C‐289/14) SUPERCEDES NO: 2008‐PAD‐032
TO BE
REVIEWED:
PAGE NO: 1 of 4
POLICY STATEMENT:
The County of Newell will invest public funds in a prudent manner that provides the highest return with the maximum
security while meeting daily cash flow needs and conforming to all provincial statutes and regulations governing the
investment of municipal funds.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish and maintain practices and procedures for investment of funds held by the
County. This investment policy applies to all investment transactions involving the financial assets of the County and
must be applied by any party managing County investments.
OBJECTIVES:
The primary objectives of the County’s investment activities are preservation of capital, liquidity, risk mitigation and
investment returns.
Preservation of Capital
The County recognizes its fiduciary responsibility for the stewardship of public funds with which it has been
entrusted. Therefore, its foremost investment objective is to ensure the preservation of capital.
Liquidity
The investment portfolio will remain sufficiently liquid to enable the County to meet operating requirements which
might be reasonably anticipated. The portfolio should consist largely of securities with active secondary or resale
markets.
Risk Mitigation
The County will manage risk by ensuring there is sufficient diversification among the assets in its investment
portfolios. Additional risk control is provided by the constraints on the permitted investments.
Investment Returns
The County will seek to maximize the rate of return earned on its investments while following prudent investment
principles.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 86
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2014‐PAD‐032
TITLE: INVESTMENT POLICY
ADOPTED: September 11, 2014 (C‐289/14) SUPERCEDES NO: 2008‐PAD‐032
TO BE
REVIEWED:
PAGE NO: 2 of 4
STANDARDS OF CARE:
Prudence
Investments shall be made with judgment and care under circumstances then prevailing. Investment officials
exercising due diligence and acting in accordance with procedures consistent with this investment policy shall be
relieved of personal responsibility for market price changes or the credit risk of a certain investment provided that
appropriate action is taken to control adverse developments and that such developments are reported on a timely
basis.
Conflict of Interest
Investment officials shall refrain from personal business transactions that could conflict with the proper execution
of their responsibilities, or which may impair their ability to make impartial investment decisions. Investment
officials shall disclose to the Chief Administrative Officer any material interests in financial institutions that conduct
business with the County and they shall separate their personal investment transactions from those of the County.
Authority and Internal Control
The Chief Administrative Officer is ultimately responsible and accountable for the control, management, and
administration of the County’s investments in accordance with the investment policy approved by Council. The
Chief Administrative Officer may delegate this responsibility. The Chief Administrative Officer or Appointed
Delegate shall establish appropriate guidelines, procedures, and internal controls;
a) To ensure the achievement of the objectives identified within this policy.
b) For authorizing officers and employees to engage in investment activities.
c) For purchasing and selling investments.
d) For custody and safekeeping of investments.
e) For the accounting and reporting of investment activities.
Where external resources have been engaged to provide investment services they are required to provide a signed
certification to the Manager of Finance that the investments meet the terms of this investment policy before
investments are made and with the monthly statement.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 87
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2014‐PAD‐032
TITLE: INVESTMENT POLICY
ADOPTED: September 11, 2014 (C‐289/14) SUPERCEDES NO: 2008‐PAD‐032
TO BE
REVIEWED:
PAGE NO: 3 of 4
PERMITTED INVESTMENTS:
The County only invests in the securities which are Authorized Investments as defined and described by sections
250(1) and (2) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) RSA 2000 Chapter M‐26 (as amended).
Schedule I and Schedule II below identify the securities that the Chief Administrative Officer or Appointed Delegate
can purchase on behalf of and in the name of the County:
Investment Description Approved
Institution
Limit
Total
Portfolio
Limit
Credit
Rating
Agency
Maximum
Term of
Maturity
Government:
Federal Government Unlimited Unlimited R-1 (L) 1 year
Provincial Governments 70% Unlimited R-1 (L) 1 year
Municipal Governments 40% Unlimited R-1 (L) 1 year
Crown Corporations 40% Unlimited R-1 (L) 1 year
Financial Institutions
Securities issued or guaranteed by
a bank, treasury branch, credit union
or trust corporation Unlimited Unlimited R-1 (L) 1 year
Other Institutions:
School Divisions & Districts 20% 75% R-1 (L) 1 year
Hospital Districts & Health Regions 20% 75% R-1 (L) 1 year
Investment Description Approved
Institution
Limit
Total
Portfolio
Limit
Credit
Rating
Agency
Maximum
Term of
Maturity
Government:
Federal Government Unlimited Unlimited A- 20 years
Provincial Governments Unlimited Unlimited A- 20 years
Municipal Governments 20% 75% A- 20 years
Crown Corporations 20% 75% A- 20 years
Financial Institutions
Securities issued or guaranteed by
a bank, treasury branch, credit union
or trust corporation
Rated institutions 20% 75% A- 20 years
Non-rated institutions 10% 25% N/A 20 years
Other Institutions:
School Divisions & Districts 20% 75% A- 20 years
Hospital Districts & Health Regions 20% 75% A- 20 years
Schedule I: Approved Investments - Operating Portfolio
Schedule II: Approved Investments - Long-Term Portfolio
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 88
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2014‐PAD‐032
TITLE: INVESTMENT POLICY
ADOPTED: September 11, 2014 (C‐289/14) SUPERCEDES NO: 2008‐PAD‐032
TO BE
REVIEWED:
PAGE NO: 4 of 4
Institutions not meeting the minimum required rating, or its equivalent, can be invested in to the extent that
principal and interest are covered by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The maturity dates of investments in the long‐term portfolio will be diversified to minimize effects of fluctuations
in any given part of the yield curve and to maintain liquidity for projects anticipated in the County’s long term
financial plans.
The average duration for the long‐term portfolio will not exceed the 6 years.
PROCUREMENT AND CUSTODY:
The Chief Administrative Officer or Appointed Delegate shall ensure that:
1. The method of procurement achieves and maximizes the objectives of this policy. Investment activities
may be undertaken utilizing internal resources or external (contract) resources or a combination of
internal and external resources. The utilization of external resources must be approved by Council.
2. All investment certificates issued to the County of Newell are in the name of or held in the name of the
County of Newell.
3. Negotiable securities are held in one of two ways:
a. In a safekeeping compartment with the County’s banker.
b. Held by a third party custodian in the name of the County and evidenced by safekeeping receipts
and monthly statements.
4. Non‐negotiable investment certificates are maintained in an appropriate investment file at the County
Office.
5. All security transactions are conducted on a delivery‐versus‐payment basis.
DEFINITIONS
Appointed Delegate: For the purpose of this policy, designates of the Chief Administrative Officer include the
Director of Corporate Services, the Manager of Finance or any other employee or contracted resource specifically
assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
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Appendix VI – Tangible Capital Assets Policy
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2014‐PAD‐055
TITLE: TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS
ADOPTED: February 6, 2014 (C‐54/14) SUPERCEDES NO: 2010‐PAD‐055
TO BE
REVIEWED: June
PAGE NO: 1 of 6
POLICY PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish formal guidance and direction for the application of Public Sector
Accounting Standards Section PS 3150 – Tangible Capital Assets.
POLICY GUIDELINES:
Tangible Capital Assets are defined as assets having a useful life that extends beyond one fiscal year, are used on a
continual basis, are not for resale in the ordinary course of operations and are held for use in the production or
supply of goods and services.
The County of Newell will follow Public Sector Accounting Standards Section PS 3150 – Tangible Capital Assets
when accounting for and reporting tangible capital assets in its financial statements.
Amortization
The County will use the straight line method of calculating annual amortization.
Amortization will be funded in accordance with Policy 2012‐PAD‐062, in order to provide for future replacement of
existing tangible capital assets.
Capital Asset Categories and expected useful life are outlined in Schedule 1.
Capitalization Thresholds:
Category Capitalization Threshold
Engineering Structures $50,000
Buildings $50,000
Machinery & Equipment $5,000
Land N/A (All Land Reported)
Land Improvements $10,000
Vehicles $5,000
Cultural & Historic N/A
Work‐In‐Progress N/A
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 90
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2014‐PAD‐055
TITLE: TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS
ADOPTED: February 6, 2014 (C‐54/14) SUPERCEDES NO: 2010‐PAD‐055
TO BE
REVIEWED: June
PAGE NO: 2 of 6
Betterment Thresholds:
Category Betterment Threshold
Engineering Structures $25,000
Buildings $25,000
Machinery & Equipment $5,000
Land N/A (All Land Reported)
Land Improvements $5,000
Vehicles $5,000
Cultural & Historical N/A
Work‐In‐Progress N/A
Non‐Capitalized Assets
Assets that do not meet the capitalization criteria and are classified under Asset Management are expensed. These
assets are still assets of the County and should be tracked, controlled, maintained and managed according to
County policy.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 91
Schedule 1 – Asset Categories
Major
Expected Useful
Life
Minor
Sub‐Class One
Sub‐Class Two
Sub‐Class Three
Land
Right‐of‐Way
Undeveloped Right‐of‐Way
Parks
General
Cultural & Historical
Public Art
Historical Art
Heritage Site
Land Improvements
Parking Lot
Gravel 15
Asphalt 25
Playground Structures 15
Landscaping 25
Fences 20
Sprinkler Systems 25
Golf Courses 45
Tennis Courts 20
Lakes/Ponds 25
Retaining Walls 20
Running Tracks 15
Outdoor Lighting 20
Soccer Pitch – Outdoor 20
Bike/Jogging Paths
Gravel 15
Asphalt 20
Airport Runways 10
Buildings
Permanent Structures
Wood 60
Metal 70
Concrete 70
Portable Structures
Metal 25
Wood 25
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 92
Major
Expected Useful
Life
Minor
Sub‐Class One
Sub‐Class Two
Sub‐Class Three
Engineering Structures
Roadway System
Bridges Variable
Roads & Streets
Lanes/Alleys
Paved 20
Gravel 30
Nonconforming 20
Roads
Paved Highways 30
Paved Arterial 30
Paved Collector 30
Paved Non‐Key (local)30
Gravel Arterial 30
Gravel Collector 30
Gravel Non‐Key (local)30
Curb, Gutter & Sidewalks 30
Urban Variable
Road Signs
Traffic Control 30
Information 30
Lights
Decorative 30
Street 30
Traffic 30
Water System
Distribution System (Includes, but not limited to: Hydrants, Mains, Valves) 75
Plants and Facilities (Includes, but not limited to: Reservoirs) 30
Wastewater System
Collection Systems 75
Pump, Lift and Transfer Stations 30
Lagoons 45
Storm System
Collection Systems 75
Pump, Lift and Transfer Stations 30
Ponds 45
Fibre Optics 30
Electrical System 30
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 93
Major Expected Useful
Life
Minor
Sub‐Class One
Sub‐Class Two
Sub‐Class Three
Machinery and Equipment
Attachments 20
Bins 15
Chipper 10
Communications
Radios 10
Telephone Systems 10
Computer Systems
Hardware 5
Software 10
Farm Implements 10
Graders 5
Heavy Construction Equipment 15
Office Furniture & Equipment
Furniture 20
Office Equipment 10
Audiovisual 10
Photocopiers 5
Plows 12
Sander/Hopper 10
Police Special Equipment 10
Sprayer 8
Tools, Shop and Garage Equipment 15
Tractor 8
Trailers 15
Turf Equipment 5
Tanks 20
Snow Blower 7
Vehicles
½ Ton 8
¾ Ton 8
1 Ton 8
2 Ton 8
3 Ton 8
4 Ton 8
Sport Utility 8
All Terrain 5
Gravel Truck 10
Semi Tractor 10
Transit Bus 8
Fire Apparatus 12
Water Truck 14
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 94
Appendix VII – Restricted Surplus Policy
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2017‐PAD‐062
TITLE: RESTRICTED SURPLUS
ADOPTED: March 9, 2017 (C‐63/17) SUPERCEDES NO: 2012‐PAD‐062
TO BE
REVIEWED: 2020
PAGE NO: 1 of 4
POLICY PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish specific restricted surplus funds to provide for emergent
financial needs, stabilize tax rates, set aside funds for the replacement of equipment, machinery,
vehicles, infrastructure and facilities and to minimize the financing needs of the County.
Guiding Principles
The following principles form the basis for this policy:
Healthy surplus levels are important in achieving County goals including financial health and
stability;
The County will strive to be a leader, among local governments, in terms of financial health and
stability;
Actual surplus balances need to be benchmarked with pre‐determined targets on an ongoing
basis to gauge whether financial health is being achieved;
Surplus goals need to be consistent with and supportive of realistic longer‐term financial plans;
Surplus appropriations need to conform to the statutory/legal requirements of the Municipal
Government Act, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and public sector accounting
board (PSAB) recommendations.
Responsibilities
The County’s Manager of Finance shall be responsible for:
Recommending the necessary contributions and transfers so that the County’s surplus funds are
maintained in accordance with this policy;
Conducting an annual review of all surplus funds including comparing actual levels with the
established minimum and maximum levels within this policy and with other jurisdiction
benchmarks, and reporting the results of such a review to council;
Recommending changes to the minimum and maximum balance guidelines shown in this policy;
Prepare an action plan to return a restricted surplus fund back into compliance when a fund is
either over or under funded; and
Recommending any revisions or amendments to this Policy, as may be required from time to
time, as a result of changes in applicable statutes, accounting standards, economic conditions,
etc.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 95
COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: 2017‐PAD‐062
TITLE: RESTRICTED SURPLUS
ADOPTED: March 9, 2017 (C‐63/17) SUPERCEDES NO: n/a
TO BE
REVIEWED: 2020
PAGE NO: 2 of 4
Council shall be responsible for approving:
The establishment, and purpose of, new restricted surplus funds;
Contributions to, and withdrawals from, restricted surplus funds;
Closure of restricted surplus funds that are no longer required; this may be part of the overall
budget review and approval process or by resolution on an as needed basis.
Standards
Administration of all restricted surplus funds will be carried out by the Manager of Finance or their
designate.
Transfers to and from restricted surplus shall be as outlined within the Restricted Surplus Policy
Schedules and approved by Council.
Funds collected through special tax and maintained in a restricted surplus fund must be used for the
purpose it was collected and may not be diverted as per legislation.
The annual budget document approved by County Council shall include separate statements for
restricted surplus funds and provide estimated additions and uses for the budget period.
Restricted surplus funds supported by cash balances should be credited with the investment income
earned on those balances on an annual basis.
Where appropriate, each restricted surplus fund will be supported by a 5‐year projection for receipt and
disbursement of funds. These projections will be updated annually as part of the budget process.
This policy along with the approved restricted surplus schedules will be reviewed by Administration
triennially.
Restricted surplus reporting will form a part of the semi‐annual and annual financial statements and
significant transactions affecting these will be highlighted in the comments.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017 Page 96 COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK POLICY NO: 2017‐PAD‐062 Fund(s) Purpose Funding Source(s) Minimum Level Maximum $ Level Rationale for $ Levels Established Stabilization Fund To provide for unanticipated expenditures of a non‐recurring nature and/or meet unexpected increases in costs. a) An annual transfer as determined in the approved budget. b) Transfer of annual surpluses remaining after any Council approved transfers to restricted surplus funds as part of the year‐end process. Not to fall below 10% of the current year operating budget expenses. N/A Minimum: one month of operating expenditures. Unexpended Budget Appropriation Fund To provide funds for specific programs and projects included in the budget but not completed by year‐end. Unspent portion of the annual budget pertaining to the specific program or project being carried forward as approved by Council. The transfer is to be completed as part of the year‐end process. N/A N/A Funding levels are contingent on budgeted items to be carried forward. Future Projects Fund To build funds to support new programs, capital purchases and projects planned to be completed in future years. a) An annual transfer as determined in the approved budget. b) Other sources as approved by Council. N/A N/A Expansion needs to be funded with minimal debt financing. Funding levels are contingent on planned changes. Infrastructure Fund To provide funds for the rehabilitation or replacement costs of existing County infrastructure when it reaches the end of its useful life. An annual transfer equal to 50% of the annual amortization on the County’s infrastructure. 25% of the accumulated amortization balance for the County’s infrastructure classes of TCA. Fully funded infrastructure plan based on replacement cost. Borrowing should be limited for replacement of existing infrastructure. Vehicle, Machinery and Equipment Fund To provide funds for the scheduled replacement of existing vehicles, equipment, machinery and office furnishings when they reach the end of their useful lives. a) An annual transfer equal to 100% of the annual amortization on the County’s vehicles, equipment and machinery classes of TCA. b) Proceeds from the sale of items from the related classes of TCA. 100% of the accumulated amortization balance for the County’s vehicles, equipment and machinery classes of TCA. Fully funded vehicle, equipment and machinery capital plan based on replacement cost. Borrowing should be avoided for replacement of existing vehicles, equipment and machinery.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017 Page 97 COUNTY OF NEWELL ‐ POLICY HANDBOOK POLICY NO: 2017‐PAD‐062 Fund(s) Purpose Funding Source(s) Minimum Level Maximum $ Level Rationale for $ Levels Established Facilities Fund To provide funds for the rehabilitation or replacement costs of existing County buildings, recreational facilities and parks when they reach the end of their useful lives. a) An annual transfer equal to 50% of the annual amortization on County buildings, recreational facilities and parks. b) Proceeds from the sale of items from the related classes of TCA. 50% of the accumulated amortization balance for the County’s facility classes of TCA. Fully funded facilities capital plan based on replacement cost. Borrowing should be limited for replacement of existing facilities. Paving Fund To build funds for paving projects on County roads. a) To be funded through a special paving tax to be assessed annually at a mill rate of 0.5000 to all applicable properties. N/AN/AFunding levels will be contingent on tax assessments and these funds must be applied to paving projects as outlined in the MGA section 386(1). Fire Fund To build funds for future replacement of fire apparatus and facilities of the various fire districts within the County. An annual transfer based on the fire capital plan as determined in the approved budget. $250,000 Fully funded fire apparatus & facilities capital plan based on replacement cost. Borrowing should be limited for the replacement of fire apparatus and facilities. Regional Enhancement Fund To extend the regional collaboration philosophy of the Regional Enhancement & Cooperation agreement and build funds to support capital projects that have a regional benefit, on a cost‐shared basis, with the other municipalities within the County. Municipalities in the region seeking funding may apply using the prescribed forms available at the County office. To be funded through an annual transfer as determined in the approved budget. N/AN/AFunding levels will be contingent on tax assessments. This fund is intended to be used for those programs and services which benefit both County and local municipality ratepayers. Recreation Fund To build funds for future replacement, or new construction, of recreation facilities within the region of the County. Municipalities in the region seeking funding may apply using the prescribed forms available at the County office. To be funded through an annual transfer as determined in the approved budget. N/A Fully funded recreation facility capital plan based on replacement cost. Borrowing should be limited for the replacement of existing recreation facilities.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 98
Appendix VIII – Strategic Priorities
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 99
Appendix IX – Glossary
ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING This basis recognizes
revenues as they become available and
measurable and expenditures as they are
incurred and measurable as the result of receipt
of goods or services and the creation of a legal
obligation to pay. This is also the basis for
developing the County's budget.
AMORTIZATION An expense calculated and
recorded for all Tangible Capital Assets annually
to account for the decreasing value of the asset
over time.
ASSESSMENT A value established for real
property for use as a basis of levying property
taxes for municipal purposes.
BUDGET A financial plan for a specified period
of time (year) that matches all planned
revenues and expenditures with various County
services.
BYLAWS Legislation enacted by County Council
under the provisions of the Municipal
Government Act.
CASH BASIS Accounting method that recognizes
revenues and expenses at the time physical
cash is actually received or paid out.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Cost associated with
purchasing, building and significantly improving
or maintaining capital assets.
CONTRIBUTED ASSETS Assets that have been
transferred or donated to the City by another
entity. These assets provide a future economic
benefit controlled by the County.
DEBT A financial obligation resulting from the
borrowingof money. Typical in purchase of
debenture from Alberta Capital Finance
Corporation.
DEBT SERVICE Amount necessary for the
payment of principal and interest of the general
long‐term debt of the County.
EXPENDITURE/EXPENSE Use of financial
resource for current operating expenses, debt
service, capital outlay, and intergovernmental
transfers.
FUND An accounting entity with a self‐balancing
set of accounts containing its own assets,
liabilities and fund balance. A fund is
established for the purpose of carrying on
specific activities or attaining certain objectives
in accordance with special regulations,
restrictions or limitations.
FUND BALANCE The difference between
revenues and expenditures. The beginning fund
balance represents the residual funds brought
forward from the previous year (ending
balance).
FTE (full time equivalent) A measure to account
for all staffing dollars in terms of their value as a
staffing unit. For example, two (2) half‐time
positions would equate to one (1) Full‐Time
Equivalent.
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES (GAAP) Nationally recognized
uniform principles, standards, and guidelines for
financial accounting and reporting, governing
the form and content of many financial
statements of an entity. GAAP encompasses
the conventions, rules, and procedures that
define accepted accounting principles at a
particular time, including both broad guidelines
and detailed practices and procedures.
GFOA Government Finance Officers Association.
COUNTY OF NEWELL 2017 FINAL BUDGET 2017
Page 100
GRANT A monetary contribution by one
governmental unit or other organization to
another. Typically, these contributions are
made to local governments by the Provincial
and Federal Governments.
LIABILITY Debt or other legal obligations arising
out of transactions in the past, which must be
liquidated, renewed or refunded at some future
date.
LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS The construction or
replacement of roads, sidewalks, lanes and
underground services for which a portion is paid
by the abutting property owner.
NET FUNDING Revenues and recoveries less
expenditures is the net budget required for the
year.
ONE‐TIME ITEMS Expenditures associated with
a limited term (typically one operating period)
that will not become an ongoing part of the
base budget in future years.
POLICIES Council statements that set
discretionary duties or standards of
performance for the County.
PROPERTY TAX Revenue generated through the
collection of taxes levied on real property
assessment. Authorized by the Municipal
Government Act.
RESTRICTED SURPLUS FUNDS Represent
amounts appropriated for designated
requirements as established by Council. Part of
best practices management used for fund
accumulation to replace capital assets and to
provide financial flexibility in times of budget
shortfall.
REVENUE Funds that the government receives
as income. It includes such items as tax
payments, fees from specific services, receipts
from other governments, fines, grants and
interest income.
TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSET Non‐financial assets
having physical substance that meet all of the
following criteria:
are held for use in the production or
supply of goods and services, for rental
to others, for administrative purposes
or for the development, construction,
maintenance or repair of other tangible
capital assets;
have useful economic lives extending
beyond an accounting period;
were acquired for use on a continuing
basis; and
are not intended for sale in the ordinary
course of business.
TAXES Compulsory charges levied by a
government for the purpose of financing
services performed for the common benefit of
the people.
TAX LEVY The total amount to be raised by
general property taxes for operating and debt
services purposes.