Face to Face with Reeve of the County of Two Hills, Don Gulayec

site facilities and equipment = reduction up to 80% tax ernment given that we follow the Municipal Government Act and Provincial Government?

Chronicle: There is a slow but steady decrease in family owned farms throughout the province. How is the situation in the County of Two Hills?

Thismonth, Sonny Rajoo interviews Reeve of the County of Two Hills No. 21, Don Gulayac, on a variety of topics affecting County residents.

Chronicle: A look at your financial statement reveals some unforeseen expenditures due to the impact of covid. How can we afford to run the County given the drop in revenue?

Reeve: We have not had any unforeseen expenditures outside of the approved budget. Administration and Council continue to be good stewards of the approved budget with a strong financial reserve for backing. The only concern is the Federal government's continuing appetite to increase the Carbon Tax levy.

Chronicle: Counties across the province have seen a loss in revenue (linear taxes) due to a slow down of the energy sector. Has the situation improved and is the energy sector slowly coming back into production?

Reeve: The energy sector has slowed in some areas of the County, with some new companies entering the market. The overall loss in revenue is attributed to provincially implemented assessment changes such as:

• Assessment moratorium on new well drills for three years = $0.00 tax contribution

• Reduced assessment on lease

Reeve: The family farm demographic within the County is different in comparison to our municipal neighbours. We have been fortunate to have experienced an influx of farming families that are content with smaller operations, such as one or two quarters of land with a connected yard site.

Chronicle: Some counties are criticized for having too many subdivisions, thereby lessening available farm land. How is the situation in the County of Two Hills?

Reeve: Our policies and bylaws reflect the concerns of County residents and what they feel would be an economical fallout by fragmenting quality agricultural land. The approval process is based on soil quality, which will then determine the maximum number of parcels that a quarter of land can be divided into.

Chronicle: Turning our attention to economic development, we have several home based businesses. Does the County have a record of the number of businesses within its limits, and what are we doing to encourage industrial growth?

Reeve: We are not tracking small home based businesses operating within our boundaries. Our Assessors do on site audits yearly and during those visits, they determine the tax valuation of the business/operation.

Chronicle: In regards to the provincial election, would you comment on the outcome and if so, what do you expect from the provincial gov-

Reeve: The Rural people have spoken, indicating they did not feel a change in government was needed. I have not heard of any changes being planned for the MGA and hope that the province will communicate to rural municipalities any changes that are being contemplated.

Chronicle: What is the state of your relationship with the Town of Two Hills and the Village of Myrnam in relation to recreation facilities and community groups?

Reeve: We have a very good, open relationship with the Town of Two Hills and Village of Myrnam. We share services with our neighbors when possible and provide operational funding for facilities and community groups.

Chronicle: Mr. Reeve, the County of Two Hills has some very good land and has been a very productive part of the province, especially the land in the west. Diversification in agriculture is one way of stabilizing revenue. How diversified is the agriculture in the county of two hills?

Reeve: The County has a very strong Agricultural Service Board that works with the farming community. It is not our mandate to tell or dictate what to do, but to provide up to date information and direction to those who wish to diversify.

Chronicle: On the issue of recreational grants, there is always a demand by community groups for grants. How do you propose to address this situation in the future?

Reeve: We have addressed recreational and facility operational grants for municipalities and communities within our boundaries. These are established line items within our budget.

Chronicle: How would you address the water levels in nearby lakes, which contribute largely to recreation in the area?

Reeve: The County has no jurisdiction over lakes, creeks or any navigable waters. These are under Federal and Provincial control. We can only submit landowner concerns to Alberta Environment. The water level drop at recreational sites is at the mercy of our environment. Federal and Provincial regulations do not permit inter basin transfers of water only natural flow.

Chronicle: We have managed largely to contain forest fires in the County of Two Hills and a great deal of credit goes to our volunteer fire departments. What message do you have for our volunteer fire departments who so gallantly serve the communities around us?

Reeve: The County of Two Hills has been very fortunate with the few fires that we have had. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered total losses in other jurisdictions . The fire departments within our jurisdiction are extremely committed to fire protection ,suppression and to the well being of the residents within. This devoted volunteer group of hands on individuals are on call 24/7 providing comfort that you are not alone in the time of need.