Council approved an increase to police officers pay after coming to a close on a new three-year collective agreement on Monday which will be funded through operating reserves. - NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
City councillors unanimously approved a wage increase to members of the Medicine Hat Police Association Monday during its regular meeting that will be pulled from the city operating budget.
With the approval of the motion, police officers will see a pay increase of 3.75 per cent ratified to the beginning of 2025, as well as an increase of 3.75 per cent which is effective Jan. 1, 2026 and a 3.5 per cent increase in 2027.
The funding of more than $870 million will come from the city’s operating budget in two segments, $270,133 will be used from the 2025 operating budget and $606,168 will be pulled from the 2026 operating budget.
Although the motion was unanimously approved, Coun. Bill Cocks expressed concerns about withdrawing funds from the city’s operating budget to cover the costs of the new collective agreement.
“I know why we have to do it this way, but I hope that we will look at funding these kinds of predictable salary increases through some other mechanism than operating reserves,” said Cocks.
“We seem to be going back there just a little too often and it’s time to build some of this stuff into the tax rate.”
New interim City Manager
Current Interim City Manager Tarolyn Aaserud has shared her intention to move back into the City Clerk at the beginning of 2026 after having to step into the role after previous City Manager Ann Mitchell was placed on leave in July before being terminated in October.
On Monday, council approved a motion to authorize Mayor Linnsie Clark to appoint a new Interim City Manager effective Jan. 1, 2026 or earlier.
Following a unanimous vote to approve the motion, council shared their gratitude toward Aaserud for stepping into the role during a rough patch.
“Thank you Tarolyn because this is not an easy job and you’ve handled it very well and we’re glad you were there. Thank you,” said Coun. Cocks.
Clark will now appoint the next Interim City Manager as Medicine Hat continues to look for a candidate to fill the role permanently.
Appointments to advisory boards and commissions
Several residents were appointed to serve on several advisory boards and city commissions following a vote and were announced to the public Monday.
These boards and commissions provide information, advice and recommendations to council and city staff and are appointed by council and administration.
Garth Rowe has been appointed to a three-year term to sit on the Assessment Review Board.
Brooks Sadden and Emily Conley have been appointed to a three-year term on the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board while Mary Tulip was appointed a one-year term on the board.
Pamela Kunz, Robert Simpson and John Wilson have been appointed to a three-year term on the Municipal Planning Commission.
Emily Howe and Adam Koch have been appointed a three-year term on the Public Library Board while Sarah Bradley was appointed for a one-year term.
David Leflar and Erin Onoferychuk have been appointed to a three-year term to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
