Penhold council passed the municipality's 2014 budget of slightly more than $9 million with no tax rate increase.
During the May 27 regular council meeting, Penhold council announced the passing of the $9,074,4252014 budget and approved holding an open house for taxation and assessment on June 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m.
A special meeting was held May 20 with Penhold CAO Rick Binnendyk and Mayor Dennis Cooper present to discuss and pass the budget document. At the prior council meeting on May 13, both Binnendyk and Cooper were not present due to prior engagements.
“It was important that we pass the budget so the town could proceed with tax billing and setting of the open house,” said Deputy Mayor Cory Kingsfield. Councillors and administrators were unable to proceed with further discussion on the budget at the May 13 meeting as a question arose on two line items. Penhold CEO Linda Hollman was unable to contact Binnendyk to clear up the questions and the special meeting was scheduled.”
“Tax bills will be out June 3,” said Binnendyk. “With the open house on the 10th, citizens will have time to appeal their levies. Taxes will be due August 1.”
Based on a total assessed value of $293,241,050 the total tax levy will be $2,803,360 with $629,737 going to the Alberta School Foundation Fund and $33,265 being assigned to opted out school boards. The Parkland Foundation is requisitioning $5,564.
Along with the taxpayer-funded portion of the budget, $5,603,979 is budgeted to be received from all other sources to balance the budget at $9,074,425. An increase of two per cent was factored into assessments.
Mayor Dennis Cooper said tax bills shouldn't be rising significantly.
“There was a slight reduction in the education component and with increase in property assessments, most people will only see a slight increase,” said Cooper. “My tax bill will be going up only by about $20.”
Tax bill appeals can be directed to the Town of Penhold.
