City taxes, and specifically tax assessment, were a big topic of discussion at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce’s monthly directors meeting on Tuesday night.
Mayor Ian Hamilton was there and he spoke with directors for close to an hour, mainly about tax assessment and whether or not the City might change it.
In particular, he spoke about whether the City might move from its current cost-based approach to an income approach to taxation of properties, where rental income is used in determining the valuation of property.
“[It] has nothing to do with the income of your business or the volume of your business or any of that,” said Hamilton. “It’s all about what the property can generate in the form of revenue, net revenues from rentals.”
Hamilton acknowledged tax assessment has been an important issue for the Chamber for some time. There have been initial discussions with consultants looking at the issue.
But the mayor also noted the retirement of City Assessor Gail Adams has the City in a “bit of a transition right now.”
Hamilton indicated he wanted to initiate a steering committee sometime in the new year to get input into future direction. He indicated he wanted the Chamber’s input and representation on that, as well as other interested groups.
The other thing to be looked at is whether the City should adjust its current 60 per cent residential-40 per cent commercial ratio for property taxation.
“That’s something we also have to look at,” said Hamilton, who stated a desire to know “all the implications” before any change comes in.
The Chamber had an active discussion with Hamilton on the issue and indicated a willingness to be part of future discussions.
Mayor Hamilton also spoke briefly about the current budget process and the budget deliberations that will begin within the next couple of week.
The mayor indicated dates for the budget deliberations would be set at the Monday, Nov. 23 city council meeting. Hamilton also indicated it is likely grant applications would be considered during the week of Dec. 1 to 4.
The aim is to have the entire budget completed in time for the Dec. 14 council meeting.
