Outlook, SK – The Outlook Town Council gathered for its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 23, with all councillors present, including Mayor Maureen Weiterman, Councillors Ryan Husband, Justin Turton, Sharon Bruce, Kyle McLeod, Bob Stephenson, and Kevin Grotheim. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kevin Trew and Assistant CAO Rachel Sillers were also in attendance. The meeting was streamed live on the Town of Outlook’s official Facebook page.
Town Office Roof Repairs Delayed
A major topic on the agenda was the condition of the town office roof. CAO Kevin Trew informed council about a recent inspection, prompted by complaints from office tenants about leaks. While the immediate issues were resolved, the inspection recommended additional repairs estimated to cost over $19,000. As this project wasn’t included in the 2024 budget, council opted to delay it until spring 2025, noting that the risk of waiting was minimal.
Tax Collection Report
CAO Trew provided an update on tax collections up to the end of September. The town has collected 85% of its municipal levy, amounting to $1.95 million, an improvement from last year’s 81% collection rate at this time. School tax collections are currently at 76%, slightly down from 78% last year. Trew explained that the difference is due to the absence of discounts on school taxes. He also reported that only six properties remain in tax enforcement from 2023, a positive outcome for the town’s size.
2025 Property Valuation Changes
The council reviewed upcoming changes in property assessments from the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA). Unlike the provincial trend of a 23% increase, Outlook’s assessed property values have slightly decreased by 0.5%. The town’s taxable values dropped by 4.2%, with mixed changes in land assessments. Residential properties generally showed a decline in value. Trew noted that the final impact of these changes will be clearer next year.
Financial Report and Ongoing Projects
The council reviewed the third-quarter financial report, highlighting ongoing cash flow challenges due to large capital projects. However, the highway water and sewer rehabilitation project was completed under budget, helping ease financial pressure. Progress continues on the water treatment plant upgrade and raw water intake project, with partial funding covered by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant.
Mayor Weiterman praised the council’s efforts in strategic planning, saying, "I’m proud of the work we’ve done here. We now have a solid plan we didn’t have when we started. It’s a great foundation for the new council to build upon." CAO Trew added that fresh perspectives from new members will bring exciting changes to the community.
The meeting adjourned following a productive discussion of key issues affecting the town.
For updates and additional information, visit the Town of Outlook’s website or follow their Facebook page.