Enrique Massot
Comparing how much the average property owner pays in the county in comparison to similar municipalities should be done regularly to establish a reasonable benchmark. Residents and business owners must be satisfied their tax dollars are wisely used.
To achieve that, a fair, effective and accountable system must be in place to determine how much the municipality is going to take each year in consultation with residents. To ensure this, an open two-way dialogue must take place between the county and its taxpayers at least once a year.
Jerry Arshinoff
Since we have numerous high-end homes, our tax “rate” is low but our taxes are very high.
The “boast” that RVC tax is less than Calgary’s is baseless. Calgary spends huge amounts on public transportation, water, sewage, garbage, sidewalks, streetlights, etcetera – services not available in RVC. The unneeded new municipal hall costs $4,200 per family of four.
RVC has also failed to plan for costs of densification, such as public transportation. The claim that commercial and industrial developments offset your taxes is equally baseless. For the last 10 years, your tax has increased by more than the inflation rate.
Kim McKylor
RVC enjoys one of the lowest tax rates in Alberta. We need to ensure we are transparent with tax dollar expenditures and prioritize appropriately.
Division 2 residents are generally happy with the tax rate but would like more services and more of their tax dollars spent locally on upgraded roads with a pathway system; upgraded recreational facilities; additional fire and police services and perhaps even garbage pickup.
By ensuring we have a diversified tax base, we can add services without adding an increased tax burden to our agricultural and residential taxpayers.
Gordon Branson
From the perspective of “tax rates” (mill rates) the county’s residential and non-residential structures are both comparatively low. I would advocate the following enhancements to future RVC budgetary processes:
• reintroduction of provision for direct resident participation
• establishment of longer fiscal planning horizons for operating/capital budgets
• determination of the amounts of “unfunded liabilities” (e.g. stormwater remediation, shortfalls in off-site levy collections)
• assess adequacy of current service provision levels (e.g. recreation, arts and culture; protective services)
• commence calculation of “soft infrastructure off-site levies”
• review the legislative impacts of bills 8 and 21 on assessment and taxation
Kevin Hanson
The current blend of residential and commercial/industrial tax base in RVC is very healthy with commercial activity supporting approximately 30 per cent of the tax load.
It is important that growth in the county, fully funded by every applicant, is managed so our tax base is developed in a sustainable manner, providing good opportunities for business and new residential choices, without diluting service levels for existing residents.
In our economically challenging environment, we must also focus some attention inwards to ensure we are using existing tax revenues in an efficient and effective manner, and only expanding services when we can afford it.
Douglas Fairley
RVC has amongst the lowest property taxes in the province, which is commendable, though we still have a large county debt. The county needs to eliminate annual deficits, reduce the county debt and phase out user fees.
As individuals, we pay enough taxes, federally, provincially and municipally, and by forcing financial reform and responsibility within the county, we will be able to eliminate future deficits, reduce the debt and lower property taxes, thus allowing more spending power for our communities.
Al Schule
The RVC tax rate is the second lowest in Alberta, as reported in the RVC website property tax comparison. I want to review the services provided with our tax dollars and see where we can improve.
Are we maintaining roads, parks, etcetera, in a cost-effective manner? Is the type of policing and emergency service provided meeting the current needs?
Also, how are our tax dollars being spent on long term and capital projects, including recreation, fire protection, road and pedestrian safety?
In my campaign, one of the things I want to talk to residents about is tax concerns.
Jerry Gautreau
Over the past 20 years, my family and I have resided and worked in our community and have experienced, like many other families, the effects of the changing economy. We understand the value of a dollar.
We pay among the lowest residential property taxes in Alberta and this is good. My concern is that residents get good value for the dollars they pay.
As RVC grows, there is a growing demand for services and we have a duty to provide them in a responsible way. As other governments raise taxes and levies, we should remember, there is only one taxpayer.
Greg Boehlke
The fact that our county is in an affluent region leads to strong assessment but RVC, through no accident, has been able to maintain very low tax rates – one of the lowest in the province.
This low mill rate has been achieved through direction of past councils that I am proud to say I was part of, through a conscious effort to diversify our assessment split.
In 2016, more than 50 per cent of county taxes were derived from non-residential, enabling us to maintain a low mill rate for both residential and non-residential, and not just in an election year.
John McMurray
Tax rates are low because home prices are two to four times higher than surrounding communities. RVC residents pay some of the highest taxes in the region.
On average, RVC residents pay $2,099 per home compared to $1,500 for Airdrie, Crossfield, or Calgary, that provide more services to residents.
In 2005, RVC had 22 per cent non-residential tax base. In 2016, it increased to 26.3 per cent. After 10 years and $200 million invested, the non-residential portion has barely increased.
RVC is deep in debt and this slight gain will be quickly erased by residential growth in Harmony and Glenbow.
Syd Hartley
The new council will be fortunate to manage a county that has a strong balance sheet. The current tax rates in RVC compare well with other jurisdictions.
Going forward, this position must be maintained or improved by managing the budget and controlling expenses.
Dan Henn
Talking to farmers and acreage owners and asking their concerns, I can only recall one instance of someone saying they pay too much property tax to RVC.
With that said, over half of the people I talked to don’t feel they are getting their money’s worth for the taxes they do pay.
Poorly maintained roads and a lack of policing in the wake of rampant rural crime seem to be the main concerns for many.
I feel the county could do a better job using the tax dollars of residents on necessities as opposed to new buildings and other projects.
Colleen Munro
In reviewing the county website, especially the Alberta Finance indicators, it seems RVC is doing a good job keeping both residential and non-residential taxes competitive, compared to neighbouring municipalities.
My first question: Is that strategy sustainable? And second: Do ratepayers feel they are getting good value for their county taxes?
I will be exploring both as I campaign.
Question was sent to all candidates for whom the Rocky View Weekly has contact information, however, not all responded by press time.
