Some small Alberta villages say voting themselves out of existence may be a path to prosperity

It's a critical moment in Delia's 110-year history. 

And this tiny community is proud of that history and insists there is a future, even though it may seem a bit murky.

In less than three weeks, residents will vote on whether Delia will remain a village with its own elected council members, or dissolve into a hamlet and become part of the surrounding Starland County, represented by one councillor who oversees a larger area.

The town has seen its struggles over the years. 

It's had trouble attracting a chief administrative officer and candidates for the three-member council. 

A viability review, released ahead of this month's amalgamation vote, reveals a $9.5 million infrastructure deficit and a number of shortcomings related to meeting municipal benchmarks. 

While it has struggled to hire and keep a chief administrator, it has also "faced significant challenges" submitting annual audited financial statements, according to province's Department of Municipal Affairs.

The province appointed an official administrator last year to help get things back on track. The overdue financial reports were all submitted last year. 

The viability review's recommendations included holding a vote on the future of the village. The three sitting council members want to maintain the status quo.

"Yes, we want to stay a village," said Jordan Elliott, Delia's mayor.

The three are confident the village can address its infrastructure deficit without dissolving, using provincial grants and tax revenue.

Residents have raised concerns about taxation, garbage collection, recycling and snow clearing if they become a hamlet.

The councillors fear Delia will lose its identity if it's dissolved into the county.

"There's so much to lose, no gain," said councillor Dave Smeyers.