County of Paintearth council addressed retirement recognition for a long-serving employee and approved funding for the Battle River Watershed Alliance during its regular meeting Aug. 19.

Council reviewed two policies related to employee recognition. Under Policy HR 012, employees retiring from the county may receive a cash gift, dining certificate and engraved watch based on their years of service. The scale ranges from $200 per year of service for the first nine years, to $500 per year for 10 to 40 years.

Council also reviewed Policy HR 011, which covers recognition for long-term employees or councillors who leave the county. It provides smaller cash gifts, ranging from $50 per year for one to nine years of service to $100 per year for 10 to 40 years. The policy requires council approval in order to avoid additional actuarial costs.

A retiring Agricultural Service Board (ASB) employee with 26.5 years of service was approved for recognition under both policies.

Battle River Watershed

The Battle River Watershed Alliance (BRWA) requested funding of 50 cents per capita, which would total $872.30 for 2025. The alliance, a non-profit designated by Alberta Environment in 2006, works to protect and enhance the Battle River and Sounding Creek watersheds.

Council noted that 81.6 per cent of Paintearth lies within the Battle River watershed and highlighted ongoing drought conditions and the need for municipal support. 

Council voted to provide $1,000 — slightly more than the request. “I think they are worth belonging to.” remarked Coun. Diane Elliott.