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Lacombe County approves 2017 tax rate

May 16, 2017 | 7:02 AM

LACOMBE – Lacombe County has approved the 2017 operating and capital budgets and tax rate bylaw.

Municipal tax rates will increase by 1% this year for residential, farmland and non-residential properties over 2016 rates.

“Council’s commitment to minimize tax increases reflects the current economic climate in Alberta and despite the 1% increase, Lacombe County ratepayers continue to enjoy one of the lowest tax rates in the province,” commented Commissioner Terry Hager.

The 2017 operating budget of $65.8 million includes $11.5 million for the Alberta School Foundation Fund requisition and just over $400,000 for the Lacombe Foundation requisition.

The budget increase of $6.16 million from 2016 is largely due to a $5.8 million commitment to the West QEII Water/Wastewater Servicing project.

In addition, the 2017 capital budget of $19.5 million has increased by $1.5 million from last year.

Based on the new rates, 2017 property taxes on a $400,000 residence in Lacombe County will be $2,004.80, which is an increase of $31.60 from 2016.

Residential property owners who experienced a decrease in the market value of their properties of greater than 1.6% will see a reduction in their property taxes.

Taxes are due on August 31.

Council also gave first reading to adopt the proposed Lacombe County Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Development Plan.

A public hearing will be held on June 7 at 7 p.m. at the Lacombe County Administration Office.

(Gary McKinnon – Lacombe County)