Councillor Ron Cannan was on his own in voting against adopting the city’s five-year financial plan and 2024 property tax increase.
During council’s May 6 meeting, he quoted Mayor Tom Dyas from his 2022 election campaign about reigning in spending at city hall and respecting residents’ hard-earned tax dollars.
“I totally agree and that’s why I don’t support growing government at twice the rate of the city’s growth as per the budget and I don’t support raising taxes higher than the cost of living,” Cannan said.
He added that he liked some aspects of the budget and pointed out the city has a healthy reserve system.
“I think returning that overtaxed money to citizens at this time is more than warranted.”
Dyas did not address the comments and instead thanked staff for its efforts on the budget.
The 2024 budget includes a 4.72 per cent property tax increase which equates to $112 a year based on the average value of a single detached home ($982,950).
Council Luke Stack was pleased the property tax increase is lower than originally forecast in the fall.
“From what I can see we are one of the lowest in the province.”
Picking up that thread, Coun. Mohini Singh said taxes need to be increased incrementally every year.
“So that future councils won’t have to look back and say ‘Oh dear God we have to raise it by 30 per cent’ and face public outrage.”
Coun. Maxine DeHart pointed out there was no tax increase when she was first elected to council more than a decade ago.
“I think we’re still trying to get caught up from 14 years ago.”
The property tax increase includes a one per cent public safety levy that partially funds new RCMP members, firefighters, and bylaw officers.
The 2024 budget marks a significant shift as it’s the first under a new service-based budgeting model.
Approximately 25 per cent of the city’s operating and capital costs each year come from taxation, with the 2024 tax demand at $191.2 million.
Property owners are reminded of the July 2 deadline for tax payments, with a 10 per cent penalty for late payments.
Homeowners can seek support through the Homeowner Grant program offered by the province.
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