Rocky town council has passed a resolution to renew its membership in the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP).

According to council, the annual cost of participating in CAEP is .80 per capita for 2023, as well as the associated expenses for time, travel, and meals for the appointed council member and any staff to participate in the partnership.

The membership cost for 2023 would be $5,412.00 based on the community’s official population of 6,765. Based on five meetings for the remainder of the year, Town officials say the travel expense would be approximately $320.00 with a per diem expense of $1,200 (Five meetings at $240.00).

Total cost for the council member would be approximately $1,520.00.

However, Town officials note that membership and involvement in CAEP was not budgeted for in 2023. Therefore, council has passed a resolution to rejoin CAEP which requires a budget adjustment and appointment of a council member to represent the Town.

Councillor Dale Shippelt put a motion forward that council appoint Mayor Baich as the Town representative to CAEP and Councillor Len Phillips as the alternate.