By Erika Chorostil

grateful government listened to concerns

Brazeau County applauds province on linear assessment decision

Oct 27, 2020 | 12:52 PM

Brazeau County is pleased with the provincial government’s decision to hit the ‘pause’ button on making changes to the oil and gas assessment model review.

In a news release this week, Brazeau County says it “appreciates the recent decision by the Alberta government to find middle ground in its decision regarding changes to linear assessment and the taxes paid to municipalities.”

The County was one of many rural municipalities who voiced their concerns to the province this summer, saying changes proposed to them would severely impact their budgets.

The provincial government announced on October 19 that it will forgo the assessment review for now. Instead, the UCP government will exempt energy companies from property taxes for three years, lower assessments for less productive oil and gas wells, and eliminate the well drilling equipment tax.

Brazeau County says those measures mean the municipality’s revenues will be reduced by $733,630 per year (3% of total property tax revenue). They say that is a significant impact, but Council is applauding Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard for “rejecting the original four scenarios considered by the government that would have resulted in more severe outcomes.”

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In a statement, Brazeau County Reeve Bart Guyon said, “We’re proud that Minister Allard is encouraging other municipalities to follow in our footsteps by focusing on core services and reducing taxes and red tape. Brazeau County believes that by leaving money in the pockets of our citizens, they can make their own choices on how to spend those savings, whether on recreation or roads, or anything else in between. If we all share in the pain, we may all be able to share in the gain after these current crises.”

Guyon then praised Brazeau County residents for getting involved in discussions and attending town halls to voice their concerns.

“We’re proud to have such engaged and passionate residents, who added their voices to many others in rural Alberta rejecting the original four disastrous proposals,” added Guyon. “Your voices were heard loud and clear, and I believe it helped steer the government toward this milder, more targeted approach to balance the needs of rural municipalities and our oil and gas industry.”

Brazeau County says it looks forward to working “constructively” with the Alberta government going forward. The County also added that it will continue to cut red tape, encourage economic growth and diversification, and support its residents as it considers the 2021 budget and beyond. The County will hold four public budget meetings on November 20, 24, 25, and 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as it heads into budget season.