By Adam Ophus

Taxation & Assessment

Why your taxation notice is asking for more

May 28, 2020 | 7:19 PM

Although the Town of Rocky Mountain House maintained their municipal tax levy for the second year in a row at a 0% increase, some residents have taken notice that their property taxes have gone up.

In 2018, the Town’s net municipal taxes were $8,925,398 which is nearly identical to 2019 of $9,190,027.

Where some may have seen changes could be in their property assessment, which is done by the private company Wild Rose Assessment Services Inc.

Residents can dispute their assessment by calling 1-403-343-3357 or emailing rod@WILDROSEASSMT.COM by the deadline of July 31.

Wild Rose Assessment will be doing a live presentation explaining their assessment process in front of town council on Tuesday, June 2.

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A slight increase also came from an over levy of the school requisition that the Town of Rocky collects on behalf of the provincial government.

The over levy is due in part to the province not providing its required school levy in time in 2018 and Rocky is now making up the difference.

Added expenditures that could appear as reasons such as the town vehicle that was acquired in May was purchased to save money.

Mayor Tammy Burke noted that they’re already seeing savings, no longer having to pay mileage on staff and councillors personal vehicles who use the vehicle.

She also commented that not only was it meant to save money, but anytime they take it out it acted as a driving billboard promoting the town.

Salaries for the mayor and councillors did go up in 2019, which Mayor Burke explained was due to a change that was made no longer allowing councillors to claim one-third of their income as being non-taxable and the raise was put in place to compensate.

In comparison, the total salary and benefits for Rocky councillors and mayor in 2019 was $287,550, Drayton Valley was $395,203 and Whitecourt was $336,032.

Many other municipalities did not have their 2019 audited financials to compare because of the extension allotted due to COVID-19.