Lacombe County council heard a final report on the 2025 municipal election, including a fine that was levied against a candidate who submitted late documentation. The report was presented at the Mar. 26 regular meeting of council.

Acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Minchin presented councillors with the final campaign disclosure statement and financial statement, which Minchin described in his introduction as mostly a formality. He stated that as returning officer, he is obligated to provide public disclosure.

“Section 147.4 of the Local Authorities Election Act requires candidates to file a campaign disclosure statement with the CAO of the municipality,” stated Minchin’s memo to council. “This requirement applies to all candidates who filed a notice of intent for the 2025 municipal election. This report provides a summary of all disclosure statements filed and identification of any candidates who did not comply with filing requirements.

“This report is for information purposes only. Under the act, council has no authority to impose further action beyond what is prescribed in legislation.”

Minchin further explained that according to the act, candidates must follow rules governing campaign contributions and expenses in municipal elections. Lacombe County staff send multiple reminders to candidates regarding campaign disclosure deadlines. Minchin stated email reminders were sent Nov. 28, 2025 and Jan. 14, Feb. 20 and Feb. 23, 2026.

The report included a list of candidates who filed for the 2025 municipal election who were also obligated to submit a campaign disclosure and financial statement to Lacombe County by Mar. 1, bumped to Mar. 2 due to the stat holiday. The list of candidates who filed those documents by the deadline included Tim Archibald, Wendy Griffin, John Ireland, Brenda Knight, Dana Kreil, Derek Majerech, Bill Ramsey, Roger Van Haren, Gresham Veldhuisen, Mark Visscher, Dwayne West, Kenneth White, Allan Wilson and Paula ZoBell.

According to the report, candidate Michael Byzitter’s disclosure wasn’t filed by Mar. 2, but during discussion Minchin confirmed the disclosure was subsequently submitted and did unfortunately result in a $500 fine.

Minchin stated the disclosures are public information until the next municipal election.

During discussion, councillors asked about the late filing and whether that would disqualify a candidate from running in an election again.

Staff responded that it wouldn’t necessarily disqualify a candidate and pointed out the disclosure in question has in fact been filed. Staff stated that if a disclosure was never filed, it could result in a candidate’s disqualification for eight years.

Staff also added that there have been many changes made by the provincial government to the way municipal elections are held and it has been challenging to keep up.

Councillors also discussed whether it was acceptable to close election accounts, to which staff responded yes, as long as all the campaign money was used.

Further, councillors asked about the $500 fine for the late disclosure. Staff answered that the fine is paid to Lacombe County and the municipality is responsible for ensuring it is paid. Staff also noted the fine can’t be added to a tax roll.

Lastly, staff reminded councillors this report was only for information because all of it follows provincial government law. Councillors unanimously accepted the report as information.