The Community
Press Over 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 33
www.thecommunitypress.com
Babies of 2023 Inside!
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 s
Gorgeous day for Sedgewick’s annual Cutter Rally JOE HARTUNG PHOTOGRAPHY
Saturday, Feb. 17, was a beautiful day for a sleigh ride, as the Sedgewick Ag. Society hosted its annual Cutter Rally. With teams coming from all around the area, including two from Saskatchewan, the weather and conditions were perfect for a ride through the countryside. See more photos inside.
Flagstaff cancels tax account of $3 million due to insolvency Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Flagstaff County Council met on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at their regular meeting. One of the items of business was cancellation of a tax account for Sanling Energy Ltd. Flagstaff County has been working with their legal team for recovery of $3 million in property taxes and penalties owed by the company, who declared bankruptcy in 2021. The county received notice that receivers for Sanling Energy Ltd. received court approval of their approved final distribution, and a request to be discharged from the duties of receiver. “With the conclusion of receivership there is no longer any prospect of recovering any of their outstanding taxes,” Council heard, along with a recom-
mendation that all outstanding amounts on the account be cancelled. The taxes in question are for the periods of 2018 to 2023, under a number of different tax roll numbers, totalling $1.618 million in taxes, and another $1.441 million in unpaid penalties. The county can apply to the Province to get the education requisition portion of the taxes returned as the taxes are unpaid. Flagstaff County’s 2023 Business Plan and Budget, like previous budgets included a $1.8 million bad debt expense, “based on the current repayment agreements as well as the previous bad debt we have been recognizing.” Council also reviewed its Public Participation plan for the upcoming year. In 2023, Council approved an enhanced Public Participation Plan which included a business plan
survey made available in the newspaper and online, a ‘Brainstorm Board’ available on the County’s website, an Open House billed as “Coffee with your Councillor,” social media posts, and a podcast episode with Flagstaff County Reeve Don Kroetch to discuss ‘What we heard” from residents through the planned process. Council approved using the enhanced plan again this year, with some minor changes. This year’s open house format will invite attendees to ask questions, provide their input, and complete a business plan survey if they haven’t already. Residents who fill out the online survey, contribute to the Brainstorm Board, and attend the Open House will be entered into a draw for $500 in Flagstaff Bucks. The open house will include shop tours as well.