On May 18, 2021, Council approved the Operating and Capital Budget as well as the Mill Rate Bylaw for 2021. The 2021 Budget value is $20.19 million compared to the 2020 value of $19.4 million.
What impact does the budget have on taxes?
The average residential ratepayer will see a 0% increase to the municipal portion of your taxes on their tax notice. However, this may vary for properties that have experienced an increase or decrease in market value. Overall, residential taxes will go up by 1.84% due to increases in RCMP tax requisition and recreation.
The average non-residential commercial ratepayer will see a 6.02% increase on their tax notice.
“Council has worked very hard to hold the line on taxes in the 2021 Budget with as little impact as possible to your level of service” said Reeve Josh Bishop. “Factors outside our control may impact the total taxes you pay such as provincial policing and recreation agreements. We are very cognizant of the challenges our ratepayers are faced with and have incorporated other changes to lessen the impacts on you.”
When reviewing your tax notices, you will see the RCMP Tax Requisition (Provincial Policing Cost) as a separate line item on your tax notice. This line is to cover the additional cost of policing due to the Government of Alberta changes to the police funding model. This year the County is required to pay $427,506. This represents 2% of your overall taxes.
Provincial government legislation requires all municipalities to collect education property taxes on behalf of the Province of Alberta. The County also collects on behalf of the Wetaskiwin and Area Lodge Authority for seniors housing facilities. For 2021, approximately 44% of residential taxes are transferred to the province for education purposes and 3% for Lodge Authority purposes.
Budget highlights include:
- Budget reductions to gravelling, mowing and brushing programs. Reduction to building maintenance and oiling budgets.
- 5% reduction in Council salaries.
- $500,000 increase for road construction.
- $400,000 increase in recreation for Intermunicipal Recreation Agreements and the Winfield Arena.
- STARS Air Ambulance donation increase from $1.00 to $1.50 per capita.
The following chart is a breakdown of the residential revenues for the 2021 budget:
Pursuant to Section 311 of the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M-26.1, and by this release, be advised that the Assessment Notices for the municipality will be mailed by June 4, 2021. All assessed persons are deemed to have received their Assessment Notices as a result of this publication.
Please notify the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 if you have not received your notice within a reasonable time frame.
For further information, please contact Rod Hawken, Chief Administrative Officer, at (780) 361-6225 or via email.
Any County ratepayer that would like to have their assessment explained by an assessor may do so by contacting the Assessment Department at (780) 361-6237 or toll free at 1-800-661-4125.
View the complete News Release.