Sunday 26 May 2013

Moment with the Mayor: Budget & Mill Rate


Hi Everyone:

The other week Council passed the budget. The increase in revenue reflects the anticipated rate of inflation. Having passed the budget, the next step is setting the mill rate. The mill rate is used to determine the amount of tax each property pays. In 2012, the uniform mill rate was set at 19.75. The good news is that for 2013 the uniform mill rate has been reduced approximately 32% to 13.5.

At our next meeting on April 22, Council will be setting the uniform mill rate, along with the mill rate factor for the different classes of properties: agriculture; commercial (including railways, elevators, and industrial), and residential (including multiple residences, condos, and single dwellings.) As I have been learning about property tax, it is becoming apparent that, as we set the new rate, it is going to affect various neighbourhoods differently; much differently.

So, how is the mill rate determined? Bear with me because I am still learning as well. We started with how much revenue the Town needs to provide the services and facilities at a reasonable cost to our residents. From there, the uniform mill rate is set, and then Council has to determine how much each class of property - agriculture, commercial and residential - will contribute to the required revenue. This is calculated by applying a mill rate factor to the uniform mill rate.

According to SAMA, the different neighbourhoods in Kindersley have appreciated at different rates. As a result of these valuations, the taxes for some neighbourhoods are going to increase more than expected, and other neighbourhoods may decline. If you come to the meeting on April 22, you will learn, for example, that if we increase residential rates by 0.3%, some residents’ tax levels will fall a little while some may increase significantly. These changes are based on SAMA’s market valuation of the properties when calculated with the mill rate. Please remember that if you disagree with the details of your assessment, you can appeal it. SAMA reps will be meeting one-on-one with residents at their upcoming open house on April 23. Contact the Town Office at 306-463-2675 if you would like to make an appointment.

Spring is in the air, I think, with birds returning and grass and flowers peeking through the snow – really, I saw some around Motherwell! If you like flowers and landscaping, have you considered participating in the Communities in Bloom committee? This is a great activity if you are 2 or 102. Beauty is important to everyone, and this is a great way to make new friends and be creative at the same time. For more information contact the Town office.

Bouquets go out this week to the Museum Board and their volunteers and Michelle McMillan, the Curator. They have transformed the Museum. My 6 year old had fun visiting the museum.

If you have any questions or comments drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. I appreciate your feedback.

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