Friday, December 10, 2010

Budget starts In the Crowsnest Pass 2011

Monday @ the municipal office starting at 4pm.

Just a couple of what I believe to be relevant information from the election campaign now this process is beginning.

As a councilor, I will not vote for any increase to property taxes for any reason - period! It is time to take a hard look at the services we have and the way business is conducted by the municipality.

My many years of experience in operations within large corporations reveals to me that we have a huge opportunity to take these cost reductions and use them to keep our tax increases at or near 0%.

First comment there is no possibility of miss interpretation of that statement, the second comment what is near to zero?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dean
We are taxed here at crazy rates. My house in Calgary is only half the cost tax wise of what I pay here.

Larry

Anonymous said...

I hope they are not going to play the old game of keeping taxes at 3%Then increasing revenue by raising all the costs of utilities.

Jan

Anonymous said...

The first quote is Brian Gallants.He just voted to spend more on advertising.He must know the municipal workers are getting a raise.I am wondering what he is going to cut in order to keep his election promise (or is he already that political to know that promises mean nothing and getting elected is everything).I am hoping for the best and fearing the worst.
Who does the second quote belong to?

Crowsnest Pass Home said...

The second quote comes from
http://emilesaindon.wordpress.com/page/2/

It was in response to a question asked by the media here is the full question and answer:

4. Short of increasing the tax base, what would you do to promote the continuation of municipal services without dramatic tax increases? Are there areas where you feel the Municipality should spend less or more than it currently does?

"Our Public Works Department needs to be consolidated, we have far too many locations and buildings to operate and maintain. Operational savings are waiting to be taken advantage and we need management to review all departments. In times of recession most businesses look at reducing operating costs through increased efficiency and automation. We need to look at our operation and find ways to reduce costs and increase productivity. My many years of experience in operations within large corporations reveals to me that we have a huge opportunity to take these cost reductions and use them to keep our tax increases at or near 0%."

An opportunity not seized is an Opportunity lost

Anonymous said...

Interesting to see what other areas with water meters charge.
I suspect this will become a large tax grab.

Anonymous said...

It seems to me the assessment of properties is higher than the amount the property can be sold for...does this mean the rate will drop? More budget problems as I see it!!!

Crowsnest Pass Home said...

Two componets to what sets your tax rate.
Assessed value and mill rate.

Politicians love this formula, because one means nothing without the other.
So when you hear politicians bragging because the mill rate goes down in their community it more than likely means the assessed values have gone up.

When assessed values go down they just increase the mill rate.

For example if your assessed value was $300,000 with a mill rate of 11you would pay $3300 in taxes.

If the assessed value drops to $250,000 they just change the mill rate to 13.2 (250 x 13.2 = $3300)