WESTLOCK – Westlock County’s reimbursement rates remain one of the lowest out of seven neighbouring municipalities, but county officials say an increase is not on the table for now.
Of the seven neighbouring municipalities, five—including Athabasca County, Sturgeon County, and Thorhild County—pay the highest mileage rate of $0.72 per kilometre, which matches the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rate. The MD of Lesser Slave River pays $0.70, while the Town of Westlock and Barrhead County offer the lowest rates, at $0.54 and $0.68, respectively. Westlock County currently reimburses at $0.55 per kilometre.
“I think we should keep it the same and revisit this next year,” said Coun. Isaac Skuban.
The Province of Alberta sets a mileage rate of $0.55 per kilometre, while the CRA rate remains at $0.72.
In addition to mileage, the county also reimburses employees for meals without receipts, though its rates fall on the lower end. Westlock County offers a breakfast reimbursement of $15, lunch at $20, and dinner at $25. These figures are among the lowest among the comparative municipalities, with breakfast reimbursements ranging from $15 to $24, lunch from $20 to $25, and dinner from $25 to $50.
For comparison, the CRA considers $23 per meal a reasonable rate, while the Province of Alberta compensates breakfast at $13, lunch at $17, and dinner at $23.
Nicole Cherniwchan, Westlock County’s finance manager, said that the 2025 budget allocates approximately $53,000 (96,300 kilometres) for mileage reimbursement. An increase to the CRA rate of $0.72 per kilometre would result in an additional $16,400 in costs. The budget also includes approximately $16,000 for per diems, with a projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment of 2.8 per cent, which would increase expenses by about $550.
Chief Administrative Officer Tony Kulbisky recommended that council defer any decisions on rate adjustments until after the Alberta government announces its own rates.
Council directed administration to bring the policy back once the Alberta Government numbers are made public.
