The tax increase for Sundre property owners that was approved in December has gone down because assessments have gone up, according to Town of Sundre officials.
Sundre council approved an increase in residential taxes by 3.17 per cent and commercial taxes by 2.68 per cent in comparison to 2013.
However, property assessments are higher than what was estimated, impacting the budget by $33,936, according to Wanda Watson-Neufeld, the town's director of corporate services.
This reduces the residential tax increase from 3.17 per cent to 2.94 per cent, and commercial from 2.68 per cent to 1.59 per cent. This adds $52.50 to the average homeowner's tax bill.
As well, there is a 3.23 per cent decrease in commercial vacant taxes, which is a reduction of about $150 for the average ratepayer.
During the council meeting on April 7, council approved first reading of the proposed change to the tax bylaw.
The total operating budget requirement is $2,816,901 and the total assessment for the town is valued at $346,578,680. Tax rates have been set based on those two factors, according to Watson-Neufeld.
“Mountain View County tax rates remain at 2013 rates as they do not believe that their 2014 rates will be passed until April 14. This will be adjusted for second and third reading which administration plans to bring back to council on April 22,” she reported to council.
Items impacting the budget include spending $5,000 for legislative consulting per the chief administrative officer.
“That allows the CAO to call a consultant and have the funds to do so,” said Watson-Neufeld.
“Make sure you use it wisely,” said Coun. Jodi Orr during the meeting.
As well, purchasing 24-hour working alone messaging for $2,400 has been added to the budget. It is a system for town staff members who are working alone to be able to check in so other staff members know they are safe.
Canada Post increased its letter prices to 75 cents each, which impacted the budget by $1,625.
“Taxes collected are marginally higher than budget required allowing for further assessment adjustments that may arise throughout the year as taxpayers request and are granted assessment changes,” Watson-Neufeld reported to council.
“Average assessment changes over the past few years have ranged from $2,600 to $7,000.”
