A newly signed intermunicipal collaboration framework reinforces agreements already in place for Lacombe County and Bentley.
The document specifies what and how services are funded and delivered. It also highlights the ways the county and Bentley can work together efficiently.
“The signing of this ICF agreement paves a path forward for continued collaboration and communication between our municipalities,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law.
The ICF, which Law said ensures equal access to facilities, programs and services for the residents of both municipalities, includes the following key points:
- An update and consolidation of the Fire Services Agreement between the town and county;
An endorsement of the existing Facilities Operational Cost Sharing Agreement;
A joint approach to capital planning for capital assets used by town and county residents;
An opportunity for each municipality to have input into policy and service level development for operating cost-sharing;
Service inventories outlining the types of service, funding mechanisms, and the party (or parties) responsible for delivering each service (transportation, recycling, fire response, bylaw enforcement, etc.).
Municipalities sharing a common boundary must create an ICF, which is a new legislated requirement that was introduced in the Modernized Municipal Government Act in 2016. Municipalities have until March 31, 2020 to finalize all required ICFs for their municipality.
These frameworks are intended to provide for integrated and strategic planning, delivery and funding of intermunicipal services. It’s also meant to allocate scares resources efficiently in delivering local services and ensure municipalities contribute funding to services benefitting their residents.
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