FAQs • Brooks, AB • CivicEngage

Why is my water bill so high?: Your bi-monthly utility bill includes charges for your previous two months of garbage, recycling sewer and water consumption. Bills are mailed or e-mailed by the 15th of the month following a billing period. Billing history and bi-monthly water consumption information is available through the City’s Online Account Information portal.

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Administration

1. Why was my garbage NOT picked up?

There could be several reasons why your garbage was not picked up. One reason could be the placement of your bin. Residences will either have a front street or back alley pick up. Back lane pickup is dependent on the width of the back lane and obstacles such as power lines and trees. Front pickup is dependent on front attached garages and regular snow removal routes.

Either way, here are some tips as to how to correctly place your bin in the back alley/front: Tip #1: Park It - Park your rollout on level ground at your curb or in your back alley. Tip #2: Space It - Space your rollout at least 1 meter from any objects such as vehicles, light posts, fences, etc. There must be at least 1 meter of free space behind it and on all sides. Tip #3: Take It - Take your rollout back onto your property by 7 p.m. on your collection day.

Another reason your garbage may not have been picked up is that you've either placed your bin out on the wrong day, or a non-pick up day, such as a holiday. Please phone the Public Works shop at 403-362-3146 and they will look into the issue.

2. Where can I find information about events in the area?: Brooks Region Tourism has a comprehensive list of all the events happening in the City of Brooks and County of Newell. Please visit their website at https://brooksregiontourism.com/ for more information.

3. What is the balance of my water bill?: You can access your billing history through Online Account Information. City of Brooks

4. What’s the phone number for______?: If you're looking for a business or service in particular, please visit www.livenewell.com, www.visitnewell.com or opportunitynewell.com
Both of these websites have information pertaining to businesses and services within the City of Brooks and County of Newell.

5. Why is my water bill so high?: Your bi-monthly utility bill includes charges for your previous two months of garbage, recycling sewer and water consumption. Bills are mailed or e-mailed by the 15th of the month following a billing period. Billing history and bi-monthly water consumption information is available through the City’s Online Account Information portal.

6. Why are my taxes so high?

The amounts typically included on the tax notices are:
1. Property tax levy, which includes:
a) The Alberta School Requisition which is passed on to the Province;
b) The Newell Foundation Requisition which is passed on to them for seniors lodging; and,
c) Municipal portion of taxes which is used by the City to provide municipal services.
2. Repaving tax, which is a special tax levied for the repaving of the streets in the City.
3. If you are hooked up to surface irrigation, this charge will also be included on your tax notice.

Municipal taxes go toward many services including but not limited to:
1. Protective services such as Policing, Fire Services & Bylaw enforcement;
2. Road maintenance including snow clearing & street sweeping;
3. Park maintenance;
4. Recreation programs and facility maintenance (also subsidized by user fees); and,
5. Community programs & facilities such as the Library, Museum, FCSS and the Handibus

To learn more about municipal taxes, please visit the Finance section on this website.

7. What are the City's hours of operation?: The City of Brooks City Hall office is open Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Also open throughout the noon hour). We are closed on Statutory Holidays.
The Public Works & Parks Office is open 7:30-4:30 and is closed from noon-1:00pm. Public Works and Parks are also closed on Statutory Holidays.

8. What do I do if I have an inquiry about the cemetery?: Customers may call the City Office or Public Works to receive help in locating deceased persons. Customers may also contact the City Office or Public Works to receive assistance in pre-planning and interment services.

9. How can I find out where people are buried in the cemetery: We currently offer residents to complete online cemetery searches on our 'My Brooks' Online Services Webpage

10. Who do I call if I am having problems with an animal in my area?: If you are having problems with animal control or pet bylaws: Please call Animal Control at 403-362-2331. Please ensure that you leave your name and a call back number and a member will return your call within 24 hours.