At the last meeting of council, the permissive taxation bylaw which exempts not for profit groups and organizations having to pay property tax on their buildings was passed.
This was granted to 23 groups and organizations in the Parksville area to the tune of $239,458.46.
Most of these groups receive a 100 per cent exemption on only the buildings.
Checking other municipalities up and down the Island they differ, some only give 75 per cent, others 50 per cent etc.
Our council says that in the next budget meetings they are going to look at reducing some of these tax exemptions to keep Parksville taxes down.
During the question period at the end of the meeting I asked council if they were aware that the Knox United church, which received a taxation exemption of $13,743.70 for 2013 actually charge the city a user fee when council holds town hall-style council meetings at their church. Council did not appear to know this.
I then asked if it would be possible to instruct city staff to contact Knox United church to see if they could forgo this fee, as I feel it is inappropriate that a group that is receiving a taxation exemption should be asking the city for more money by way of user fees.
The answer to this question was basically no. As this council is always looking at ways to save money I am surprised with the answer given.
I realize the cost of these user fees are not a lot in this day and age, but this is a matter of principle.
I would encourage Parksville residents to voice their opinions to council or attend the upcoming budget meetings where you can see where your tax dollars are being spent.
Frank Leach
Parksville
