Although there was an increase in the capital budget, Athabasca town council has decided to hold the line on taxes this year.
At last Tuesday’s council meeting, the tax rate bylaw was approved which maintained the status quo on residential and commercial property taxes.
There was some discussion on implementing a “pool smoothing” strategy – a multi-year plan to pay off the cost of the new pool – but it was decided to begin that next year.
Although, not everyone was impressed with holding taxes at the 2014 rates – both Mayor Roger Morrill and councillor Tim Verhaeghe voted against the idea.
“I think we need to steady the course here,” said Morrill.
“We have significant things facing us. We have a significant drawdown in reserves. I'm not saying we pay for anything in one year, but a smooth-out to me makes a lot of sense.”
In addition, Morrill believed council should actively be trying to be “business friendly” and decrease corporate taxes and increase residential taxes – something he’s spoken about previously.
“I want to keep this a very competitive community,” he stated.
“One that's attractive to all residents to come here. So, you know that we're exactly middle of the road when it comes to residential and (on the higher end) for commercial.”
