By Sheldon Spackman

Holding Steady

Red Deer County eyeing no tax rate increase this year

Apr 29, 2020 | 8:35 AM

Red Deer County council has tabled a zero rate increase on taxation from 2019 due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, council gave first and second readings to the 2020 Tax Rate Bylaw, as well as a program that both defers and reduces 2020 tax penalties.

County officials say the decision comes despite collecting approximately $100 million less in overall assessment.

“Maintaining last year’s tax rate will still allow Red Deer County to provide a high level of service for our residents and businesses,” comments Jim Wood, mayor of Red Deer County, in a news release. “Council and staff have found savings in various work programs. We are not interested in creating any more burden on the taxpayer than they already have.”

In addition to holding over the tax rates from 2019, council approved a program that will defer penalty charges until October 1 instead of the usual July 1. The Bylaw also reduces the penalty rate from 6 per cent to 4 per cent for the 2020 taxation year.

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Rates are as follows: Farmland – 7.9460, Residential – 2.6816, Non-residential – 10.9465, Protective Services – 0.6500, Community Services – 0.0760.

Special levies & requisitions are as follows: Seniors Housing Levy – 0.0196, Prov. Education Requisition (Non-Residential) – 3.9305, Prov. Education Requisition (Residential and Farm) – 2.6266, Designated Industrial Property – 0.0760, Policing Requisition – 0.0915.

Elsewhere, an environmental levy was proposed for 2020, but has now been withdrawn to create almost one million dollars in further tax savings.

Officials point out council is once again eliminating tax notices under $25.00, as they are considered a burden on staff resources. Also, as per Provincial order, the assessment complaint filing deadline has been extended to July 1 from April 20.

Taxes continue to be due June 30. However, outstanding balances will not receive penalties during the three month deferral period.

Officials say the County is strongly encouraging those who are able to continue paying their taxes in full or in smaller partial payments. Ratepayers have until May 12 to make comments. For more information, contact Red Deer County Centre at 403.350.2150 or visit rdcounty.ca.