Desbiens

The council meeting addressed several regulatory and financial matters, including the adoption of the 2022 taxation bylaw and a new bylaw establishing budgetary control and monitoring procedures. The discussion also covered administrative processes, specifically the verification of the quorum and the formalization of internal expenditure controls to ensure appropriate fund availability for public works and municipal expenses.

The regular council meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the nomination and hiring of Mathieu Simard as the new Director-General/Clerk-Treasurer, effective immediately, subject to a one-year probation period, and the subsequent modification of signing authorities for cheques and bank documents to include Mr. Simard and remove the interim clerk. The council also finalized the terms for the transition of Danie Dallaire back to the role of Management Advisor, setting her last day as February 13, 2026, after finalizing the 2026 budget and the 2026-2028 PTI. Discussions related to the Centenary Celebration involved approving an operating budget with a required municipal contribution of $12,470, establishing a separate bank account for Centenary funds with designated signatories, approving a request for a $3,000 sponsorship/donation from the MRC de Lac-St-Jean-Est, and authorizing a $12,500 donation request to CN, highlighting the historical importance of the railway. Furthermore, the 2026 budget for the Housing Office South Sector was approved, showing a deficit requiring a $5,830 municipal contribution. Administrative updates included designating council members as authorized administrators for the Canada Revenue Agency (ARC) and appointing Comptabilité ÉvoluPro CPA inc. as the official agent for both ARC and Revenu Québec matters. The meeting concluded after a question period where citizens raised concerns regarding legal fees, the selection committee, potential conflicts of interest, and the rationale for the new DG's hiring.

The municipal council meeting addressed numerous agenda items. Key decisions included authorizing temporary loans under By-law No. 416-25 for road rehabilitation and under By-law No. 417-25 for vehicle and equipment acquisition. The council accepted the cost report for the 2023 PAVL program maintenance, addressed the lack of bids for the 2025-2026 ice rink operation by increasing hours for the janitorial employee, and approved new appointments and delegations to various municipal committees following the recent elections. The council also authorized the submission of a grant application for the 2026 Canada Summer Jobs program and resolved to sell the used backhoe loader to Meunier Excavation. Furthermore, the 2026 regular meeting calendar was adopted, adherence to Culture Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean and the Fédération québécoise des municipalités for 2026 was renewed, and expenses for the 2026 Centennial celebrations (beer production and signage) were authorized. The council decided to subscribe to the Mon Club Sportif platform for recreation activity registration and accepted an agreement with Moisson Alma for supplementary food aid for the Frigo-Partage project. Finally, the list of accounts payable totaling $133,487.64 was approved.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items. Discussions included modifications to the quick hitch for the new backhoe, where the lower bid from Toromont Cat was accepted for the modification. A notice of motion was presented for the upcoming presentation and tabling of Bylaw No. 418-25 concerning the imposition of various taxes for the 2026 fiscal year. Significant discussion focused on the proposed merger of the South Sector Housing Office with the Jeannois Housing Office to form the Lac-St-Jean-Est Housing Office; the council resolved to request modification of the business plan to ensure the City of Desbiens has a permanent administrator seat rather than alternating with Saint-Gédéon. The 2023 financial report, including the independent auditor's report from Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, was tabled, showing a deficit of $341,421 for the fiscal year and an accumulated operating deficit of $1,271,388.

The session included discussions on consolidation loans, the sale of a factory, and interest rates from various banks. Resolutions were adopted, and there was a mention of completing a case at the Ministry of Finance.