The Town of Rocky Mountain House will have to pay RCMP officers $407,075 in retroactive pay.

Rocky Mountain House Mayor, Debbie Baich said, “We received this invoice in 2022 and was budgeted for. The annual pay increases are in our 2023 budget and are part of the reason for the approximate 2 per cent tax increase this year.”

Mayor Baich added, the Town feels the federal government should have had consultations with municipalities during the negotiation process.

“They did not understand our budget cycle and that a large invoice due upon receipt did not allow enough time to financially plan for and did not take into consideration our municipal budget processes. We have requested that any future RCMP wage negotiations must have consultation with municipalities during the process. We are in agreement with municipalities across Canada on this position.”

Meantime, Mayor Baich says the Town of Rocky remains neutral on the issue of Alberta having a Provincial Police Force until such time as sufficient information is available.

“The RCMP and our Town SRO’s do an amazing job ensuring the safety and security of citizens in Rocky Mountain House and our surrounding areas. We are very thankful to have such honourable, dedicated, caring, individuals serving the Town of Rocky Mountain House.” said Baich.