Kneehill County council will consider adopting a proposed new bylaw to allow payment arrangements on property tax arrears, with reduced penalties, after it was agreed to in principle during the Tuesday, June 20 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Rising inflation has seen the number of residential and farm properties in arrears increase over the last number of years and, as of March 31 this year, the number of residential properties in arrears was at its highest since 2013.
“Over the past several years, we’ve also seen an increase in residential and farm ratepayers struggling to keep their taxes current. With inflation sitting at over seven per cent, some are struggling to maintain their daily necessities,” shared property tax officer Caroline Siverson during the presentation.
She explained the county currently offers a Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) program, which is available to tax accounts which have not fallen behind. The number of accounts enrolled in the TIPP program has continued to grow annually. As of this year there are a total of 344 farm and residential accounts enrolled in the TIPP program, as well as two oil and gas corporations.
The county also works with accounts which have fallen behind through a repayment schedule; however, Ms. Siverson noted these accounts are still subject to a two per cent penalty per month for the duration of this repayment schedule as outlined in the county’s Tax Penalty Bylaw.
She explained, if council were to adopt the Tax Arrears Payment Plan, this could reduce the amount of penalties, which could help those ratepayers to get their tax bill current faster, and allow them to enroll in the TIPP program.
The proposed bylaw would allow ratepayers whose tax accounts are in arrears to sign a two year agreement, with no rebate or cancellation of penalties prior to the date of agreement. During the term of the agreement, no additional penalties would be imposed, and estimated levies for the current and next year’s would be included in the agreement to ensure the account was paid in full at the end of the two year agreement.
Council agreed to the policy in principle and a draft bylaw, as well as draft agreement forms, will be brought forward to a future council meeting for final consideration and approval.

Every year, the Calgary Stampede and BMO Bank of Montreal recognize outstanding farm families in southern Alberta. The awards program was created to promote a renewed urban-rural relationship and to recognize outstanding southern Alberta farm families who best typify the value of the family farmer to our society.
While farming is the way of life for the Meyer family, they also know how to leave a BIG impact on their community.
The BMO Farm Family Award winner from Starland County recognizes the unique circumstances that living in a small community can bring.
“We know that volunteering in our community is vital to keep programs and facilities running,” states Sherry. Therefore, they remain involved to ensure that their small community of Delia is a vibrant and lively community in Southern Alberta.
Darren and Sherry Meyer both have strong familial ties to Starland County with both of their ancestors settling there over a century ago. Darren’s great-grandfather, Frank DeMott, homesteaded in the area in 1910. A couple of generations later, Darren joined his parents, Harold & Dianne Meyer, in farming after high school. After getting married, Darren and Sherry moved to the farm in 2007, where they purchased their own home quarter and continue to farm a mix of family property, their own purchased land and leased land.
Since Harold took a step back from farming six years ago, Darren has taken the lead on the farm operations. Today, Darren and Sherry, along with their two young daughters Taylor and Shaelyn, continue to operate Darren Meyer Farming Ltd.
The Meyers run a mixed farm operation of beef cattle and grain. As part of their crop portfolio, the Meyers grow wheat, barley, canola and peas, which are all used as forages for their 120 head of commercial Black Angus. The cattle are grazed on perennial and annual pastures, which the latter helps extend the grazing season late into the fall and early winter months. They are also working on adding some purebreds to help expand genetics within the herd. In addition to their attention to grazing, the Meyers also employ several environmentally friendly practices for their cropland. They direct seed with a one-pass system, as well as work with an agronomist to make sure that they are practicing good chemical rotation, pest management and fertilizer rates, as well as testing the soil as needed.
Working on the farm is a true family effort. As Taylor and Shaelyn have gotten older, they are also starting to become active on the farm. They help check cows during calving season and feed in the winter months, as well as go for tractor or combine rides. Darren’s father, Harold, also still helps occasionally with cattle and grain farming, especially at harvest.
Being active members within their local community of Delia is very important to the Meyers. They know how important it is to set an example for their daughters and younger generations, and their community involvement is proof of their words. Darren and Sherry have been active members of the Delia & District Agricultural Society, where Sherry has utilized her accounting skills to serve as treasurer for four years. They are also involved in their local 4-H beef club where Darren serves as a leader, as well as secretary for the Drumheller District 4-H Beef Council. Sherry is currently serving as treasurer for the Delia Curling Club, as well as is an active member (including serving as past treasurer) of Delia School Enhancement Society, which raised funds for the new Delia school built in 2020.
While Darren & Sherry’s farming roots go back many generations, they are hopeful these ties to the farmland and their community will extend to many more generations of Meyers.