LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche Mayor Paul Reutov was asked to resign at the end of the Feb. 25 council meeting following approximately one hour and 10 minutes of in camera discussion.
In a statement to council, Ward 4 Coun. and Deputy Mayor Jason Stedman said the county had received an information request from a member of the public for tax certificates, which revealed a property owned by Mayor Paul Reutov “was in arrears in excess of $50.”
“Administration received legal advice confirming that Paul Reutov is disqualified under [Section 174] of the Municipal Government Act as a result of the properties in arrears,” said Stedman.
In a prepared motion, which carried 8-0, Reutov was given a deadline of 4:30 p.m. on March 3 to resign. If he does not do so, “Council directs Administration to proceed with filing an application to a judge of the Court of King’s Bench for an order declaring the person to be disqualified from Council.”
In a statement to council, Reutov said “To be clear, all my taxes are paid. I own multiple properties in this county and others, and all tax payments were processed last year except for one. These payments were mailed at approximately the same time. Yet for reasons unknown, one property’s payment was not processed. As soon as I became aware of this, I paid the balance again.”
Reutov noted it is an election year, and scrutiny is part of the job of an elected official.
“In the beginning of my term, I specifically requested an orientation and was repeatedly put off. I never received one, and I don't believe any other councillors did as well, the new councillors anyway. A serious matter like this could have been avoided with a simple reminder,” said Reutov.
“I hope council will place this matter directly into the hands of the courts to ensure a decision is made in a timely manner and based on law, not politics,” said Reutov.
He finished by apologizing for the oversight “and the unnecessary work and distraction that it has caused for everyone.”
Reutov did not resign during the meeting and in a follow-up interview with Lakeland This Week confirmed he does not plan to, citing the Municipal Government Act.
Lakeland This Week has reached out to all members of Lac La Biche County council and administration for comment. This story will be updated as further information becomes available.
