Starland County has engaged with its residents to gain understanding in building its strategic direction.
The County engaged with the community through an Ethelo Survey. Its purpose was to educate residents on potential funding priorities for the County, give residents the opportunity to provide input on the County’s future Economic Development Strategy and invite feedback on overall satisfaction regarding county services and communications.
About 346 visited the page and 159 took the time to respond. Reeve Steve Wannstrom said there were not too many surprises.
Overall some of the key findings showed residents were satisfied with many services including operation of transfer stations, direct connection, and engagement with the elected official, its communications through the local newspaper, and agricultural services.
In looking for areas for economic development, it showed high support for agricultural product processing, value-added agribusiness, maintained taxes and reducing services, and cost recovery fees.
There was low support for property tax increases, wind and solar development, and a fire protection levy.
Wannstrom says one item he noticed, is the county needs to communicate better when it comes to expenses and taxes.
“We need to communicate better on what we actually take in and what we get requisitioned for. I don’t think people realize what they are paying for all the time, such as senior housing, and we are part of the Drumheller and District Solid Waste Management Association and pay into it,” he said.
Wannstrom also notes with economic development, which 55 per cent of respondents said was very important, and tourism, which 46 per cent said was moderately important, it is important to make sure the infrastructure in the county can handle it.
“We do need to find new industry because when you see our oil and gas it is no longer something that can be relied on,” said Wannstrom.
The survey also noted 73 percent would be in favour of special tax incentives for new businesses.
It also shows low support for renewable energy, with 44 per cent not supporting nuclear power generation, 43 per cent not supporting solar farms and 54 per cent not supporting wind power.
The survey reflected how important roads are to the community. He was also pleasantly surprised to see that residents were supportive of fire services.
“They maybe don’t want to pay more for it but they think it is important, and I am glad to see that,” said Wannstrom.
He said the survey has given them a baseline of information to begin working with.
“It was a starting point,” said Wannnstrom.
“I hope everyone who wanted to do it, filled it out and didn’t miss out.”

Municipalities across the province are preparing for the upcoming October 2021 municipal election, and the Village of Hussar is no exception.
Hussar’s council--Mayor Corey Fisher, Deputy Mayor Les Schultz, and Councillor Tim Frank--has spent their time working toward improving and growing the village of some 190 residents.
“There have been many positives (to being on council), but all the great people I have met and sat at the table with, whether it was at our own council or regional intermunicipal meetings or at the conventions I was able to attend has got to be the best,” council said. “Just to be involved in the decision process is a positive for (us).”
A three year viability review was conducted on the village, which came with some negatives--mainly being the time to complete the review.
Despite the lengthy process, the review “truly showed how the village was doing.” A study on the village’s infrastructure conducted during the review also helped council prioritize replacing aging infrastructure. This includes replacing a force main from the lift station to the sewer lagoon, replacing water and sewer lines along 2nd Avenue East, and completing road repairs along this area.
Further improvements to the water and sewer infrastructure are planned along 1st Avenue East to 1st Street East.
The current council members estimate 25 to 40 hours per month are required to fulfill commitments, and prepare for meetings. As there is one council meeting per month, the time commitment involved is dependent upon the number of outside committees or boards councillors sit on, though involvement is a requirement.
“The commitment is certainly greater now than when first started on council, with more provincial directives and certainly more regional meetings between Hussar and neighbouring municipalities,” council said.
They offered some advice for anyone interested in running for a seat on council. “As a councillor, you need to remember all your decisions need to be based on what is best for the village as a whole,” they said.
However, they cautioned those with “one certain cause or agenda to serve” against running. “You will not be properly serving your community, and that is what it’s all about: making the best decisions you can to benefit the majority of the residents,” they said.
One councillor, who was not identified, has decided not to run for re-election in October while the remaining two council members are presently undecided.
The nomination period is open until September 20, 2021 and Hussar council members encourage anyone interested in running for council to attend council meetings to learn more about the involvement and what is happening within their community.
“Certainly, come talk to us and we will share our experiences and give you any advice you need. Plus, tons of encouragement!”