MD of Taber Committee of the Whole tackled packed agenda on September 16 

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Taber Times

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspaper
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Municipal District of Taber’s Committee of the Whole (COW) convened in September to address a full and diverse agenda, with discussions ranging from infrastructure planning to financial strategies. Among the key topics were proposed 2026 budgets. The following provides a brief overview of some of the items on the agenda.

Adoption of the August 12 meeting minutes took place and included two important resolutions. The COW carried Resolution No. COW-2025-75 regarding the 5.8.3 Grazing Lease Agreement. This resolution directs Administration to draft a community pasture grazing lease agreement and make necessary policy adjustments for future consideration. Key elements of the agreement include a 10-year term with the potential for an additional 10-year option, rate reviews at years 3, 7, and the end of the term, and a stipulation that lease assignments will not be permitted if the community pasture entity ceases to exist.

Resolution No. COW-2025-76 concerning the 5.8.4 Transitional Grazing Agreement was also carried. This resolution directs Administration to draft a transitional grazing lease agreement and policy adjustments for future review. The proposed agreement includes a 5-year term with the possibility of a 5-year extension, subject to a tendered first right of refusal, and a rate review at year 3.

Agenda items from September 15 took place after the adoption of the previous meeting’s minutes.

As mandated by Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, municipalities must adopt an annual operating budget to guide their financial operations. For 2026, the MD projects a $1.55 million increase in total revenues and a $1.76 million rise in expenditures, with $1.25 million attributed to non-cash transactions like amortization. After adjustments for reserve transfers and non-cash items, the budget reflects a $417,000 increase in cash generated from operations, largely driven by higher land lease revenues.

The MD is also seeking feedback from Council on proposed revisions to its Fees and Charges Bylaw. These changes aim to update rates across various departments to better reflect current service costs. Below is a summary of the proposed adjustments by department:

Administration (Corporate
Services) 

Newly proposed rates for services not currently listed in the bylaw:

• Tax Notice Reprint (per page): Increase from $0.00 to $5.00

• Assessment Notice Reprint (per page): Increase from $0.00 to $5.00

• Utility Bill Reprint (per page): Increase from $0.00 to $5.00

Information Technology and G.I.S Mapping

• Book Map (small print format): Increase from $25.00 to $30.00

Planning and Development 

Proposed Rate Adjustments:

• Single Detached Dwelling: Increase from $100.00 to $150.00

• Duplex/Semi-Detached Dwellings (per dwelling unit): Decrease from $200.00 to $150.00

• Row or Townhouse Dwellings (per dwelling unit): Increase from $100.00 to $150.00

• Multi-unit Dwellings (per dwelling unit): Increase from $100.00 to $150.00

• Additions to Dwellings: Increase from $100.00 to $150.00

• Accessory Building (<500 sq. m): Increase from $100.00 to $150.00

• New Buildings/Structures or Additions:

– 500 sq. m: Increase from $100.00 to $150.00

– 500–2,000 sq. m: Increase from $200.00 to $500.00

– 2,001–5,000 sq. m: Increase from $300.00 to $1,000.00

– 5,000 sq. m: Increase from $500.00 to $1,500.00

• Signs (independent from development permit application): Increase from $0.00 to $150.00

• Change of Use or Additional Use: Increase from $100.00 to $150.00

• Wind Turbine (per tower): Increase from $500.00 to $1,000.00

• Solar Energy Systems:

– Class A (per application): Decrease from $500.00 to $150.00

– Class B (per application): Decrease from $500.00 to $200.00

– Class C (per parcel): Increase from $500.00 to $2,500.00

• Certificate of Compliance (per certificate): Increase from $40.00 to $50.00

• Land Use Bylaw Amendment Application: Increase from $500.00 to $800.00

• Municipal Development Plan Amendment Application: Increase from $500.00 to $800.00

• Area Structure Plan Application: Increase from $500.00 to $1,000.00

• Area Structure Plan Amendment Application: Increase from $500.00 to $800.00

• Public Notification (applications requiring): Increase from $300.00 to $400.00

Newly Proposed Rates 

• Signs: $150.00 (free if part of a new build/structure; $150.00 if requested separately).

• Development Agreement: $1,000.00

Agricultural Service Board 

• Farmer Pesticides Course (per person): Increase from $40.00 to $80.00

Utilities 

• Fixed Water Rate: Increase from $70.35 to $73.87

• Overage Water Rate: Increase from $2.60 to $2.73

• Fixed Sewer Rate: Increase from $23.50 to $24.68

• Water Service Shut Off: Increase from $50.00 to $100.00

• Water Service Turn On: Increase from $50.00 to $100.00

The MD has unveiled its revised proposed capital projects budget for 2026, following deliberations at the August 12, 2025, COW meeting. This updated budget reflects adjustments.  The original proposed capital projects budget for 2026 was set at $37,521,500. However, after discussions during the August 12 meeting, several projects were removed, resulting in a revised budget of $33,084,000.

The revised budget is strategically allocated across three main categories:

• 51 per cent Engineered Structures: Investments in critical infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and other municipal structures, remain the top priority.

• 36 per cent Equipment: Funding for essential equipment upgrades and replacements to support municipal operations.

• 13 per cent Contributions to Other Organizations: Financial support for external organizations that align with MDT’s goals and community development initiatives.

For more information and as well as a list of assets slated for disposal (with proceeds directed to reserves), you are encouraged to visit the meeting agenda under the government section of the MD of Taber website.