LAC LA BICHE - The case to have Lac La Biche Mayor Paul Reutov disqualified from Lac La Biche County council was dismissed by the Court of King’s Bench.
The application to have Reutov disqualified was made by the County after $8,000 in tax arrears were brought to light earlier this year by Holly Omelchuk, a ratepayer in the county who believed it was a breach of the Municipal Governance Act. At the time of the accusation, Reutov called the arrears “an honest mistake” caused by disruptions to mail delivery because of the Canada Post Strike.
“The Respondent is declared able to remain on Council for Lac La Biche County; and the Respondent is awarded costs in an amount to be agreed upon between counsel and failing such agreement, the Parties may make written cost submissions to the Court,” reads the judge’s order, dated May 7.
“Obviously the facts were there. I'm just glad they were interpreted that way and I’m glad it's behind us,” said Reutov.
Asked what his costs for defending himself were, Reutov said he had not received the final bill from his lawyer yet and didn’t want to guess.
“It’s not cheap, but it’s not crazy either because it was resolved quite quickly,” said Reutov.
He said he does intend to serve out the rest of his term as mayor but has yet to make a decision about running again.
“We've done so much. I just want to keep the momentum going. If you look around Lac La Biche has advanced hugely in the last three, four years,” said Reutov, noting his decision may depend on who else puts their name in the ring for the municipal election in October.
As of May 15, Charlyn Moore and George L’Heureux have both filed notice of their intention to run for mayor of Lac La Biche County. Lac La Biche County council has eight councillors representing seven wards in addition to the mayor.
