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Reeve’s Annual Report
Having another year pass us by it gives me pleasure to report on a few highlights  for the 2012 year on behalf of council.

First, council was able to pass a balanced budget and keep the mill rates untouched as well. Ratepayers will be happy to hear there were no sacrifices to any services that you have come to expect of Cypress County. Council was able to complete this but with the new budget passed from the provincial government a few new approaches will be needed to accomplish this into the future.

Infrastructure Improvements
As for construction projects a new waterline from Hilda to Schuler was completed . Engineering and design for the Irvine regional water line is underway. For anyone who lives in the area, this water line is going  to provide a chance to join a water co-op. We replaced some existing sidewalks that were in need of repair in Irvine. At Cavan Lake Campground a 24 lot expansion was undertaken.  The County also developed road and water infrastructure to support the new playground in Eagle Ridge in Dunmore. A new sewage lagoon was constructed for Seven Persons. Road construction included final touches on the new 3 km of pavement on the Eagle Butte Road, as well as 3 km of soil cement and oiling on the Black & White Trail. Also work was done improving the Old TransCanada Highway, Twp Rd 84, Twp Rd 112, Rge Rd 33, and Twp Rd 102.

Fire Protection Services
Our volunteer departments responded to over 300 calls this year. Great job done by all. We purchased a new fire truck that is stationed at the Medicine Hat Department to assist with our calls. An Animal Livestock Emergency Response Trailer was donated by the Alberta Farm Animal Care Association to Cypress County. This trailer is to assist with removal and temporary confinement of animals in the case of motor vehicle collisions or other dangerous situations.

Future Planning, Safety, and Providing Information
Council has approved an Area Structure Plan for Township Road 120 commercial/industrial for future growth, and is now working on a Dunmore Area Structure Plan to which input would be appreciated.

With the changing times that we all live in now a Health & Safety Officer was hired to ensure Cypress County is in compliance and has regulations to keep employees and the general public safe.

A new website was launched for easier interaction to get valuable information to the public. Type in Cypress County and an interesting fact you can access there is that in the 2011 Census, Cypress County population has increased 495 people or 7% over the last 5 years to                          7214.

County Leadership
As everything in life changes so do things at the county. Our Manager and CAO, Lutz Perschon, has after 35 years of service to the county, decided to retire. All good things come to an end and it will be a huge undertaking for council to try to find a replacement for a valued employee that has done so much for Cypress County. On behalf of Council I would like to thank Lutz for his devoted service to Cypress County.

Annual Ratepayers Meeting
Once again we will be hosting our Annual Ratepayers meeting in Council Chambers May 21 , at 7pm. I encourage you to come out and tell us your concerns big or small. Council will be there to answer any concerns you have.

On behalf of Council I want to wish everyone a safe and prosperous year.

Darcy Geigle