The County of Paintearth council reviewed several bylaws during its regular meeting on Aug. 19, including those dealing with fees, road use, taxation, fire services and assessment reviews.

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 739-25, the Master Rates Bylaw, which establishes fees for goods, licenses, permits and services under the Municipal Government Act. Discussion focused on proposed public works fees, which include $2,000 for a new approach installation, $1,000 to widen an approach with a culvert and $500 to widen an existing approach.

Some councillors expressed concern about the costs associated with approach installations. “$2000 for a new one does not cover our costs” noted Bryce Cooke, Director of Public Works.

Coun.George Glazier wondered about rules surrounding approaches with Cooke informing council that public works deals with requests on a case by case basis. Reeve Stan Schulmeister noted that some of the approaches were indeed questionable and should be reviewed by public works. Administration agreed, noting the policy may need to be revised to reflect current practices. The bylaw passed first reading and will return to council for further review.

Because of the ongoing review of the Master Rates Bylaw, council tabled Bylaw 740-25, the Water and Sewage Bylaw.

Two other bylaws passed third and final readings. Bylaw 741-25, the Road Use Bylaw, regulates the use of roads within county boundaries, while Bylaw 742-25, the Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw, is designed to encourage new non-residential development.

Bylaw 743-25, the Fire Services Bylaw, which establishes the county’s fire protection services and outlines how costs may be recovered, was tabled for more discussion.

Finally, council gave first reading to Bylaw 744-25, the Assessment Review Board Bylaw. Updates were needed due to legislative changes, including the removal of a code of conduct requirement.