Cash Receipts & Billings
A few examples of the receipts & billings the Corporate Services Department is responsible for are, but not limited to:
- Fire Services fees
- Development permit fees
- Park camping fees
- Land & lease rentals
- Taxes
- Utilities
Accounts Payable
All products and services that the municipality purchases, eventually reach corporate services when the invoice arrives. Corporate services is responsible for ensuring these invoices are correct, have the appropriate approval, and that the goods and services have been received, in accordance with the municipality’s procurement policy.
Corporate Services also make sure municipal funds are spent appropriately, responsibly, and according to budget. In addition to products and services received directly by the municipality, the Corporate Services Department is responsible for ensuring requisitions are paid out appropriately.
Grant Applications
One of the municipality's revenue sources comes from other levels of government in the form of grants. The Corporate Services Department is tasked with applying for, managing, and reporting on the use of all grant funds.
Budgeting
Each year the Corporate Services Department, in cooperation municipal departments and with council, reviews the expected revenues and expenses for each department in the municipality. From there, the council approves the municipal budget and a three year operating plan to provide an overview of the operating activities of the municipality for the upcoming years. This ensures that the municipality is not only prepared for projected activities and service levels, but that the costs of these activities are planned in a fiscally responsible manner. The result is a greater level of stability of tax rates over the next four years.
Part of the budgeting process also includes investing for long term capital equipment replacement so the money needed for tomorrow is available.
Financial Reporting
As public institutions must be accountable to the public, local governments need to be transparent in their operations and financial expenditures. The Corporate Services Department is responsible for drafting annual reports, organizing auditors, and liaising with external auditors during the audit process.
You can view financial statements on the Financial Statements and Reporting Page . If you require a prior year that is not listed, contact the department.
Tangible Capital Assets
As a part of the financial reporting process, the Government of Alberta requires municipalities to report on all tangible capital assets, and account for their deprecation, appreciations, added value, and write-offs so a better understanding of the future financial requirements can be achieved.
Reception
Corporate Services staff also serve as the front line to public inquiries, directing calls, answering emails, and taking payments. When you call the Municipal District of Taber, your call is normally answered by a corporate services team member.