Saddle Hills County Administration is made up of a number of departments devoted to assist Council in meeting their strategic priorities, policies, and programs, and provide professional advice while recognizing the value of Councillors’ local/community knowledge.
Administration is responsible for ensuring that the County's business is conducted in a professional manner adhering to the highest standards of governance as mandated by the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA).
The responsibilities of the departments are dictated summarized in the Organization Chart which is approved by Council.
Our Management Team
CAO's Office
- Chief Administrative Officer | Cary Merritt
Email
Responsibilities:
The CAO is the administrative head of the municipality. The CAO's responsibilities include ensuring that the municipality's policies and programs are implemented, advising and informing Council on the operation of the municipality, performing other duties assigned by Council, and ensuring appropriate staffing is in place.
The CAO serves as the link between council, which sets policy, and administration, which implements policy. The CAO is expected to understand the direction of council and ensure that programs and services are delivered following council’s mandate.
- Legislative Officers (2) |
Responsibilities:
- Council & CAO Support
- Legislative Services, SDAB & ARB Clerk
- FOIP Coordinator
- Records Management
- Policies & Bylaws
- Municipal Census
- Local Gov. Elections
- Council Orientation
- Communications & Inter-Municipal Relationships Coordinator | Michael Archer
Email
Responsibilities:
- Communications & Social Media
- Annual Report
- Public Consultation
- Inter-Municipal Communications
- Promotional Materials
Economic and Rural Development
- Director of Economic and Rural Development | Shayne Steffen
Email
Responsibilities:
- Inter-municipal Initiatives
- Community/Economic Development
- FCSS
- Rural Development:
- Agriculture
- Veterinary Services
- Roadside Maintenance
- Weed & Pest Control
- Agricultural - Surface Water Management
- Agricultural Education Activities
- Project Development
Corporate Services
- Director of Corporate Services | Donna Anderson
Email
Responsibilities:
- Finance
- Budget
- Long Term Planning
- Insurance/Asset Management
- Human Resources
- Grants
- Financial Reporting for:
- FCSS
- Library Board
- Waste Commission
- Assessment
- Project Development
Planning and Information Systems
- Director of Planning & Information Systems | Laurie Jackson
Email
Responsibilities:
- Planning & Development
- Municipal Planning Commission
- Safety Codes
- GIS
- Information Technology
- Communication Towers
- Project Development
Operations
- Director of Operations | Ron Pelensky
Email
Responsibilities:
- Roads & Bridges
- Facilities Grounds Maintenance
- Aggregate Fleet Management
- Surface Storm Drainage (Hamlet)
- Surface Water Management (Roads)
- Water Treatment Plants
- Rural Water
- Wastewater
- Solid Waste
- Waste Transfer Stations
- Landfills
- Project Development
Community & Protective Services
- Director of Community & Protective Services | Brian Ballard
Email
Responsibilities:
- Fire Departments
- Enforcement
- Facilities Maintenance (excl. grounds maintenance)
- Community Recreation
- Planning (liaison with nonprofit groups)
- Project Development
- Health & Safety
- Risk Management
- Campgrounds & Parks
- Maintenance
- Regional Emergency Planning
For general information, please contact the County office at 780.864.3760, or send an email to admin@saddlehills.ab.ca.
Fax: 780.864.3904