Sturgeon County has put forward what it's willing to spend on recreation in neighbouring communities, but it remains unclear if they will take the deal.
Councillors unanimously approved a proposal that would see the county give $235,000 to surrounding municipalities for the 2011 fiscal year, so long as county residents pay the same user fees as community residents.
If the municipalities agree the money would be paid out in September in sums of $45,000 each to Morinville, Redwater, Bon Accord and Gibbons with an additional $10,000 going to Legal, which does not receive funding through any other county program.
Several studies are currently under way that will be used to examine the issue for another agreement next year.
Morinville Mayor Lloyd Bertschi said town council just heard about the move last week and is not sure if they will sign on.
"We just found that out late last week," he said. "It is a matter of council sitting down and talking about what we want to do with it."
The agreement with Morinville would extend to the arena and curling rink, but Morinville has already said the cultural centre will be subject to a split-rate fee model unless a new deal is worked out.
"Until we have a proper contribution, the rates will be different," said Bertschi.
Sturgeon County Coun. Karen Shaw said she believes the county should be paying its fair share, but she is not confident the county knows what that number truly is.
"I have always said that if we are not paying our fair share then we need to be, but they have to show us," she said. "I don't think that we have a clear picture as to the actual county usage."
Cultural centre funding on hold
Sturgeon councillors are also holding off a capital contribution to the community centre until they receive a commitment county residents will pay the same fees.
The county has had a proposed contribution of $250,000 on the agenda for several council meetings, but is still looking for a commitment from Morinville before writing the cheque.
Bertschi said town councillors haven't examined the county's offer, but if there isn't a significant contribution from the county, a split rate would only be fair for Morinville taxpayers.
"We are going to be going forward having a debenture for this facility that our residents are going to be paying for that nobody else is."
The town initially asked the county to consider putting forward $3 million for the new facility.
Shaw said the county was only asked about the facility after construction was under way.
"It definitely makes it an unfair playing field. You don't consult with us prior and then jump on us for not contributing after when we have had no part of the process."
