Country residential tax changes face opposition, but edge forward
A proposal to slowly lower country residential taxes through money generated from new builds north of the river came under heavy scrutiny at city hall, but managed to squeak by its first hurdle Monday night.
The recommendation would lead to a lowering of the mill rate on properties in and around Nordale to match that of the RM of Buckland. The current 27 per cent difference is said to be driving people out. For example, on a $315,680 property, a city tax bill would be $2,916.50, while the Buckland rate would be only $1,922.49.
According to Mayor Greg Dionne, who was passionately in support of the move, the change would spur growth and create a tax level that is fairer to the services residents in these areas receive.
“I have talked to developers who have property out there and they can’t sell them because of the difference between taxes,” he said. “[Buyers] can go across the road and save $1,000.”