WESTLOCK – Coun. Stuart Fox-Robinson said he had concerns about the county’s operating variance report presented to Westlock County council during its regular meeting on Nov. 26. It showed a steady increase in outstanding taxes owed to Westlock County.
According to a report prepared by Westlock County's Finance Manager Nicole Cherniwchan, at October 31, 2024, 78 per cent of expenses and 96.6 per cent of revenue have been realized compared to 78.2 per cent of expenses and 96.6 per cent of revenue at the same time in 2023. At October 31, 2024, outstanding taxes receivable were $2,633,120 compared to $2,376,894 last year. Of that, $1,102,750 (42 per cent) is attributed to oil & gas. Utilities receivables, however, have decreased and are currently $78,342 compared to $80,803 in 2023.
“I definitely have concerns, and we would have to go in camera to discuss them,” said Fox-Robinson.
He asked for a recorded vote on accepting the report as information.
Council didn’t go in-camera to discuss the variance report.
