Lacombe County reaffirmed its commitment to covering a share of the operating and construction costs of Blackfalds’ new fieldhouse.
Council voted on Thursday to pick up a portion of operating costs based on the percentage of county users, estimated at 15 per cent.
Based on preliminary numbers, the county expects to pay $46,000 to $49,000 a year for the first three years.
Councillors expressed concern earlier this month that the cost-sharing agreement was too open ended and would leave the county facing too much financial risk if Blackfalds’ operating estimates were out of whack.
County commissioner Terry Hager said staff from the two municipalities met to discuss the numbers and he is confident the town’s estimates are as good as can be expected.
“We’re reasonably comfortable with the costs, but we can’t give you a guarantee on that,” said Hager.
Council unanimously voted in favour of the operating cost-share agreement, which expires in 2014.
As well, council voted to provide another $750,000 contribution towards construction costs of the $15-million fieldhouse, now under construction and expected to be finished late this year.
The county earlier approved $750,000, after staff recommended a total contribution of $2.25 million, based on county user numbers.
Council considered providing the full amount last June, but opted to limit the initial contribution until a recreation master plan is finished.
But Coun. Dana Kreil said on Thursday the plan is taking longer than anticipated and Blackfalds should not have to wait.
“I don’t think we should hold their project hostage because our recreation plan is taking a little longer than anticipated,” said Kreil.
The motion passed 5-1 with Coun. Rod McDermand absent.
Coun. Keith Stephenson voted against the $750,000 contribution because he was concerned with the way the motion was worded. It suggested the last $750,000 — that would take the total contribution up to $2.25 million — was still up for debate.
Stephenson said he believes the county should have made it clear the latest donation was the second of three instalments.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com