Following the Village of Hussar’s withdrawal from the Wheatland Regional Corporation (WRC) board in February 2021, a vote was left open and the future voting structure for the board was up for discussion at the regular Tuesday, November 23 Village of Rockyford council meeting.
WRC was formed in 2016 to investigate and develop a potable water supply system and service the hamlets of Gleichen and Rosebud along with the villages of Rockyford, Standard, and Hussar. Rosebud was connected to the regional waterline in December 2020 during Phase 3 of construction, and the Village of Hussar was slated to be connected during Phase 4.
“The impact at WRC, if approved by the current members, will see the voting reduced from five votes to three votes,” Rockyford Mayor and WRC Board Chair Darcy Burke tells the Mail.
The previous voting structure gave the villages of Rockyford, Standard, and Hussar one vote each, and two votes to Wheatland County, equalling a total of five votes among the municipalities; however, Hussar’s withdrawal left an even number of votes and, to follow quorum, the board will need to consider how to redistribute votes among the remaining municipalities.
Rockyford council recommended each remaining municipal member be given one vote on the board.
The recommendation will be brought before the WRC board at their next regular meeting for consideration.
Update
He adds council did not see the village needing to receive water services in the near future as their current well system is operational and "at a more economical rate" for village residents as infrastructure and meters would be needed.
Mayor Schultz notes the decision had been an ongoing discussion at multiple board and council meetings prior to the final decision being made to withdraw from WRC.
