A planned 3.5 percent property tax increase in the 2019 financial plan is up for discussion in an budget open house prior to a council meeting tonight.
As outlined in a council report last week, the additional costs, if approved tonight, would require the town to raise an additional $295,000 in revenue for 2019, confirmed Sarah Jones, director of the town’s corporate administration.
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Three items currently awaiting council approval are propelling the rate hike, including a $8,470 increase to the grant in aid account that will draw from the Elements Casino tax revenue.
Another item, the addition of a constable to the RCMP, is expected to cost $132,000, including overtime and training costs and is expected to be approved by the mayor.
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Finally, the addition of a user-activated crossing signal on Atkins road that has received $20,000 for the project from the developer and is also up for council approval and could affect the current proposed hike.
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The tax rates must be adopted before the May 15 deadline as outlined in the community charter.
The budget open house starts at 5 p.m. today at town hall.
swikar.oli@goldstreamgazette.com
