As expected, the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce submitted their official position on the proposed vacant-buildings subclass mill rate on Monday night.
Council received a letter from chamber president Warren Williams dated June 22. As expected, the Chamber offered general support for the move to increase taxes on vacant commercial buildings in the downtown and along the “key commercial corridor,” but they also outlined details about what they wanted to see included.
Among the points raised by Williams was to encourage meetings with the Council of Battlefords Realtors to discuss the challenges they’ve faced related to these properties; to possibly include all potential commercial properties in the city that meet the criteria; to hear more about the proposed downtown incentive program that was being proposed; and some concern was expressed that there is not a “waiting list of commercial ventures and entrepreneurs” in the offing that will occupy buildings immediately on repair.
Another point in the letter, which prompted some discussion at council Monday night, had to do with demolitions downtown. There was a suggestion that tipping feeds be reduced, or there be an opportunity for a “grace period” for a group demolition.
Williams stated this is “seen by the business community as a major factor or deterrent when investing in a property.”
But at Monday’s meeting, city officials noted there were concerns such an incentive might prove too costly to the city.
Director of planning and development Jennifer Niesink explained if three people took them up on it “it’s not a big deal”, but if 15 people take them up, it would prove a real drain.
City Manager Jim Puffalt confirmed tipping fees for demolitions came in at around $100,000.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot made clear he thought including an incentive to reduce tipping fees was not something taxpayers could afford. He was willing to look at it on a case-by-case basis, but pointed to the costs of building a new cell at the landfill, which he said runs at between $1.2 and $1.6 million.
“That’s something we have to be really cautious of,” said Lightfoot, adding “I’m glad that it was left out of the incentive program.”
