By rdnewsNOW staff

Policy Approval

Lacombe’s Local Improvement Tax Policy aims to ensure fairness

May 27, 2020 | 12:50 PM

In an effort to implement local improvement taxes in a consistent and equitable manner, Lacombe city council has approved a new Local Improvement Tax Policy for the community.

The new policy framework was approved by council on Monday and took effect on May 26.

“This policy is to be implemented when projects are identified by council or the community that represent a change in the level of service, such as a new sidewalk, street lighting, or the paving of a lane or road,” explains Mayor Grant Creasey, in a news release. “The costs will be apportioned based on project beneficiaries, with the goal of striking a fair balance for everyone.”

City officials say a local improvement is a project that benefits one neighbourhood more than the municipality as a whole. The improvement is paid for in whole or in part by benefitting property owners through a local improvement tax; however, the life cycle operations, maintenance, renewal, and replacement of local improvements are the responsibility of the City.

Officials point out that a local improvement can be initiated by the City based on direction from council or an infrastructure assessment that identifies a need.

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Alternatively, property owners who wish to have improvements carried out near or adjacent to their property can petition the City to have the improvement completed.

“When infrastructure improvement needs are identified by members of the public or by council, and determined to be a local improvement, the municipality will levy local taxes with consistent methodology, based on the type of improvement under consideration and according to appropriate legislation,” adds Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy.

City officials say the Local Improvement Tax Policy was prepared in accordance with the Municipal Government Act R.S.A. 2000 Chapter -26 (MGA) Sections 391 –409, and will be reviewed every four years or upon legislative change.

Detailed information on the new policy can be viewed here.