Weyburn City Council addressed a number of topics at Monday night's meeting. Councillor Kellie Sidloski began the meeting by announcing that applications are open for the 2025-26 Weyburn Youth Council. Weyburn Comprehensive School Students in grades ten to twelve are invited to apply before September 30th, as the new term begins in mid-October.
They then moved on to approve four items on the consent agenda, the Cash Activity Report for July, the Planning and Development Report for July and August, and the Water Treatment Plant Report for August. Mayor Jeff Richards took the opportunity to recognize the team at the water treatment plant for providing clean water for the community.
Approving the 2026 budget timeline
The next item on the agenda saw council approve the first step in the budget process for next year. As the city is limited in available resources, the budget aids in determining which objectives have the highest priority and will serve the community best.The city must present a balanced budget, meaning expenses cannot exceed revenue. This can be achieved either by raising revenue through property taxes and fees or by reducing expenses.
Councillor Larry Heggs explains that this process of creating a balanced budget is why the process begins so far in advance of the new year.
“It's key to get that stuff out early in order for us to receive the best prices for our RFPs, tenders. We've instructed administration to be sure that we're getting multi-years, so that we're looking at sort of A, B, and C options for what they need, and then we have to deal with that and, of course, make it cost effective for the residents as well. So, it's important that we start early, and the cities that have it in before the end of December are always in the best shape as far as getting the best prices.”
The proposed plan has the preliminary budget presented at the October 27th council meeting, an open house held sometime between October 28th to November 7th, and a budget discussion at the November 24th meeting.
Tax enforcement measures passed
Council then addressed three matters concerning tax enforcement, beginning with approving an offer on a property for sale by public tender. 161 Laing Crescent was posted on the proper channels to receive tenders. One tender was received for $5000, while the outstanding property taxes and enforcement costs totaled $7,371.14.
Although the $5,000 offer did not cover the $7,371.14 in outstanding taxes and costs, council accepted it based on staff advice that future tax revenues made it worthwhile and that re-tendering would likely not attract higher offers.
Similarly, council also approved the sending of a letter for consent of property regarding two properties. Both property owners have received their six month's notice but have failed to make payments toward the outstanding taxes. Councillor Heggs explains that these decisions are not made lightly.
“We don't want somebody out of their home, but we do need the tax base, and obviously we go through every process we can to get it there. We'd prefer that they stayed in their homes and paid the taxes first of all."
Code of Ethics bylaw given second and third reading
The meeting then addressed unfinished business, including a second and third reading of a new Code of Ethics bylaw, that saw its first reading at the August 11th council meeting. The bylaw was passed, in accordance with The Cities Act, that requires all municipal councils in Saskatchewan to adopt a Code of Ethics Bylaw that applies specifically to council members.
Councillor Heggs says this bylaw is more in depth than the one previously enacted in Weyburn and has been reviewed by council.
“Overarchingly, the provincial government suggested that the communities in general build a more robust Code of Ethics program. There was a by-law in place before, but it was sort of a general, sort of a template type one, and this is by far a more in-depth plan. It's been reviewed by our council, and we're very comfortable with it.”
“We need to make sure that the Code of Ethics exists for us to be certain that the people who are entrusted with the fiduciary responsibilities for the taxpayers are met and done properly.”
Announcements: From surveys to Red Wing pride
Councillors were then given the opportunity to address any inquiries and announcements. Councillor Sidloski took the opportunity to remind residents of a Community Safety and Well-Being survey launched on the City of Weyburn website. She asks all residents to participate and let them know how they can improve these aspects of the city.
Councillor Todd Bedore also spoke up, reminding the community of the Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings hockey season, officially kicking off at their home opener on Friday, September 19th, with a tailgate party. He encourages the community to show up and support our local junior hockey team.
Councillor Bedore also gave Director of Engineering, Renee Cugnet, the floor to provide an update on some of the construction projects around the city, as construction season nears its end.
Residents are reminded that they are able to address council with any concerns or inquiries formally during council meetings, however, it must be brought before City Clerk Tina Clay prior to the meeting.