Rocky Mountain House will not hold a byelection to fill the position of the former mayor.
Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver granted the town's request to defer filling the seat left vacant when former mayor Debbie Baich resigned on Aug. 13.
The Municipal Government Act normally requires a municipality to hold a by-election if a vacancy of the chief elected official occurs more than 12 months before a general election, however the legislation also provides the Minister with authority to extend the time for filling council vacancies until the next general election.
The next general municipal election is scheduled for October 20, 2025.
Holding a byelection to replace the former mayor would be a financial drain, said Rocky Mountain House council's letter asking for a byelection exemption.
"The financial strain on our town will be greatly felt as this will be the second byelection held this year and we do not have the funds easily available to support this election," says a letter McIver requesting the exemption.
The town also points out in its letter that the next municipal election is only 14 months away. A byelection would take place on Nov. 25, which would put it within the 12-month window when it would not have been required.
A deputy mayor and eight-month rotational schedule is already in place until the next election and mayoral duties have already been handed out to councillors, says the letter.
"We firmly believe that we as a council will maintain a strong and dependable presence for our community to uphold the values of the town and requirements of the MGA."
Blackfalds received an exemption in April after former councillor Rebecca Stendie resigned the previous month. In making its case, Blackfalds cited the $15,000 cost, and administrative burden in a year in which staff were overseeing a town census.
Mountain View County opted to go ahead with a byelection to replace departing councillor Gord Krebs.
Mountain View County announced on Wednesday two candidates have stepped forward to run for a Division 4 seat. Division 4 serves Elkton/Rugby, Westcott, parts of Fallentimber, Bergen, Harmattan and Westerdale.
Mountain View County's byelection will be held on Oct. 16, with advance polls on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10.
