Rocky View County residents won’t see an increase in their taxes after county council approved the 2017 Operating Base Budget at the Dec. 13 meeting.
“There was no need for a tax increase,” said area councilor Rolly Ashdown.
“Administration was able to keep their expenses the same as last year,” he said.
He also credits good municipal planning by the county over the last ten years for putting them in the position to be able to maintain the tax rate this year.
“The county is in a very enviable position compared to almost every county in Alberta,” he said, “over half of our tax base now comes from commercial.”
This is important because commercial taxes are triple that of residential.
Ashdown said that the county brings in more in commercial taxes than residential now.
“If you live in the county, you are subsidized by the commercial establishments that exist,” said Ashdown, “that’s pretty unique.”
The county has been able to attract a diverse range of commercial and industrial businesses to set up shop in Rocky View.
“The amount of commercial that’s come to the county like with CN Rail and with CrossIron Mills and the racetrack…it all counts,” he said.
The increase in the amount of commercial tax base will cover the county’s costs for the new carbon tax as well.
“If everything was exactly the same as it always was we would have a tax increase just to cover the carbon tax,” said Ashdown.
Further to the county’s budget decision, Council showed its support for development in Langdon with the approval of several projects at the Jan. 10 meeting.
Council has approved;
Up to $14,962.50 for the Langdon Softball Association to be used for the maintenance of Langdon Ball Diamonds.
The Langdon Community Association had several requests granted including A maximum of $4,263.56 for the planter program and movie nights and $14,137.50 for maintenance to the Langdon Fieldhouse, community rink and the Langdon Community Playground.
The Langdon Older Kids Seniors Club received funding for a fitness program, not to exceed $5,000.
Up to $5,000 to replace and repair camping equipment for the 1st Bow Valley Scouts.
The purchase of performance equipment, not to exceed $4,785, by the Langdon Theatre Association.
Chestermere Area Youth and Community Development Society were given funding of up to $5,000 to support the hiring and training of a local Summer program Leader.
Finally the Langdon Recreation Centre have up to $8,248.59 to pay for the purchase and installation of a security system.
