Public Service
Letter to Citizens: Will my taxes go up this year?
29/03/11 14:03
Letter to Citizens: Will my taxes go up this year?
Last fall as Councillors met with citizens of the town on their campaign trails, a definite concern was identified by all in this town: “Why do my taxes keep on going up and up?, Curb the taxes!, Fix the budget!”. This letter is intended to shed some light on the matter of Property Taxation.
As you all know, taxes (and some provincial grants) are the source of revenues which allow us to enjoy paved roads, sidewalks, utilities infrastructure, water treatment plant, sewer plant, electrical distribution system, parks and recreation facilities, programs to support the elderly and families, town beautification and celebrations, safety and security services, pay the Town employees and many other things.
We as new Council diligently analyzed all aspects of the 2011 budget prepared by administration to toe the line on Town expenditures. Our mandate is to keep taxes at an affordable level to maintain an adequate level of services and to start building some reserve for foreseeable infrastructure replacement needs. In early February, Council passed a budget that was based on these premises. This budget will be reviewed in early spring prior to setting the 2011 mil rate (=total revenues needed to service the 2011 Budget requirements/ Total Town Property Assessments). Once the mil rate is set, individual property taxes can be calculated (=Assessment Value x mil rate) and tax bills are sent for collection.
Individual property taxes are calculated based on property assessment and on the application of the set mil rate for each type of property. We as new Council needed to be better informed to comprehend the complex process leading to our property tax rates. Our Town assessor from Benchmark Assessment Consultants Inc presented to Council and Administration the method by which assessments are established according to Provincial Legislation.
Provincial Legislation requires that your 2011 Property Assessment reflect the market value of your property in 2009-2010. Hence, the mandate of the tax assessor is to establish the market values of each property by using: a) comparative method based on actual sale of similar properties in our town or in comparable towns in Southern Alberta or; b) by conducting an actual inspection/survey of a property.
It is to be noted that all properties for which a building permit or a renovation permit was issued in 2010 will be inspected to establish their 2010 fair market value.
Because tax assessment is based on market value, it is possible that some types of properties see their 2011 assessment go up by as much as 10%. For example, in 2008- early 2009, while the economy was going strong, upper scale range homes were selling well in Southern Alberta and the assessment values of similar homes in Cardston went up significantly in 2010. In 2009-2010, the real estate market slowed down, but middle size range homes were still selling quite well in Southern Alberta and the movement in this market will affect the market value of similar type houses in town which will be reflected
in their 2011 tax assessment. Thus, it can be accurately said that property tax assessments and budget have a direct but different impact on individual property taxes.
Once the assessor’s report is approved by the Provincial Government and delivered to Town administration, Council will study the impact of property assessment on property taxes in 2011. We will also look at the mil rate and decide if it needs to be adjusted by revising the 2011 Budget.
We heard the concerns of the tax payers in this town. This new Council will stick to its goal of reasonable and affordable taxes for all taxpayers by: 1) managing the impact of tax assessment and 2) maximizing the return of each tax dollar to maintain adequate infrastructure, programs and services for the collective benefit of the citizens of this Town.
Mayor and Town Council
Last fall as Councillors met with citizens of the town on their campaign trails, a definite concern was identified by all in this town: “Why do my taxes keep on going up and up?, Curb the taxes!, Fix the budget!”. This letter is intended to shed some light on the matter of Property Taxation.
As you all know, taxes (and some provincial grants) are the source of revenues which allow us to enjoy paved roads, sidewalks, utilities infrastructure, water treatment plant, sewer plant, electrical distribution system, parks and recreation facilities, programs to support the elderly and families, town beautification and celebrations, safety and security services, pay the Town employees and many other things.
We as new Council diligently analyzed all aspects of the 2011 budget prepared by administration to toe the line on Town expenditures. Our mandate is to keep taxes at an affordable level to maintain an adequate level of services and to start building some reserve for foreseeable infrastructure replacement needs. In early February, Council passed a budget that was based on these premises. This budget will be reviewed in early spring prior to setting the 2011 mil rate (=total revenues needed to service the 2011 Budget requirements/ Total Town Property Assessments). Once the mil rate is set, individual property taxes can be calculated (=Assessment Value x mil rate) and tax bills are sent for collection.
Individual property taxes are calculated based on property assessment and on the application of the set mil rate for each type of property. We as new Council needed to be better informed to comprehend the complex process leading to our property tax rates. Our Town assessor from Benchmark Assessment Consultants Inc presented to Council and Administration the method by which assessments are established according to Provincial Legislation.
Provincial Legislation requires that your 2011 Property Assessment reflect the market value of your property in 2009-2010. Hence, the mandate of the tax assessor is to establish the market values of each property by using: a) comparative method based on actual sale of similar properties in our town or in comparable towns in Southern Alberta or; b) by conducting an actual inspection/survey of a property.
It is to be noted that all properties for which a building permit or a renovation permit was issued in 2010 will be inspected to establish their 2010 fair market value.
Because tax assessment is based on market value, it is possible that some types of properties see their 2011 assessment go up by as much as 10%. For example, in 2008- early 2009, while the economy was going strong, upper scale range homes were selling well in Southern Alberta and the assessment values of similar homes in Cardston went up significantly in 2010. In 2009-2010, the real estate market slowed down, but middle size range homes were still selling quite well in Southern Alberta and the movement in this market will affect the market value of similar type houses in town which will be reflected
in their 2011 tax assessment. Thus, it can be accurately said that property tax assessments and budget have a direct but different impact on individual property taxes.
Once the assessor’s report is approved by the Provincial Government and delivered to Town administration, Council will study the impact of property assessment on property taxes in 2011. We will also look at the mil rate and decide if it needs to be adjusted by revising the 2011 Budget.
We heard the concerns of the tax payers in this town. This new Council will stick to its goal of reasonable and affordable taxes for all taxpayers by: 1) managing the impact of tax assessment and 2) maximizing the return of each tax dollar to maintain adequate infrastructure, programs and services for the collective benefit of the citizens of this Town.
Mayor and Town Council
Open Letter from Council
10/02/11 13:22
Open Letter to the Citizens of Cardston from Mayor and Council : re Leasing of the Golf Course
This past fall, as Councillors campaigned and listened to the wishes and concerns of our citizens, a common theme echoed loud and clear. “Something needs to be done with the Golf Course”. Ideas were offered such as “Sell it” or “Lease it”. One thing was certain, that people in Cardston no longer accept tax payers’ money to be pumped in the Golf Course year after year.
Last Council received an offer to lease the course from Black Sands Management Group; a group composed of seven local businessmen and professionals who share the same passion for Golfing and whose interest was to keep the Golf Course as an asset for the Town of Cardston while stopping the drain of public funds. Past Council was very impressed with the concept but left it up to the new Council to make the decisions regarding this Town’s asset.
This present Council was faced at its first Council Meeting with the grim reality reflected in the less than impressive financial statement for the Golf Course. Bad weather all through the summer and too many closures of the golf course through the season did not help the bottom line. As of December 2010, $100,000 was expended by the town to balance the books.
The Town never succeeded in managing this beautiful facility without having to subsidize it at the rate of $50,000 to $80,000 per year. It could be argued that it was subsidized in the same way as other recreational facilities in town, but the golf course as a business was supposed to be self-sustaining and this never was the case.
Due to the continuous poor financial record of the Golf Course, selling this asset did not appear to be the wisest move at the present time. Leasing the course seemed to be the solution that could fulfill the desire of the citizens of this town to stop the drain of public funds. A discussion regarding the possibility to tender the leasing of the course was not supported by the majority of Council and a motion was passed in principle to support Black Sands Management Group with the leasing of the course.
Administration worked diligently with Black Sands Management Group, sought advice from legal counsel on numerous occasions and presented its findings to Council who discussed the various aspects of the lease. The task for Council was not easy and concessions had to be made to make this lease possible to this group.
This lease was designed to give a chance for Black Sands Management Group to be successful in managing the Golf Course and to preserve and beautify the Golf Course as a prime asset for the Town . Ultimately, the Town will benefit by eliminating its yearly losses while protecting a valuable asset.
We, as Council, believe that we have achieved these goals by ratifying the motion to accept the lease between Black Sands Management Group and the Town of Cardston.
Mayor & Council
Town of Cardston
This past fall, as Councillors campaigned and listened to the wishes and concerns of our citizens, a common theme echoed loud and clear. “Something needs to be done with the Golf Course”. Ideas were offered such as “Sell it” or “Lease it”. One thing was certain, that people in Cardston no longer accept tax payers’ money to be pumped in the Golf Course year after year.
Last Council received an offer to lease the course from Black Sands Management Group; a group composed of seven local businessmen and professionals who share the same passion for Golfing and whose interest was to keep the Golf Course as an asset for the Town of Cardston while stopping the drain of public funds. Past Council was very impressed with the concept but left it up to the new Council to make the decisions regarding this Town’s asset.
This present Council was faced at its first Council Meeting with the grim reality reflected in the less than impressive financial statement for the Golf Course. Bad weather all through the summer and too many closures of the golf course through the season did not help the bottom line. As of December 2010, $100,000 was expended by the town to balance the books.
The Town never succeeded in managing this beautiful facility without having to subsidize it at the rate of $50,000 to $80,000 per year. It could be argued that it was subsidized in the same way as other recreational facilities in town, but the golf course as a business was supposed to be self-sustaining and this never was the case.
Due to the continuous poor financial record of the Golf Course, selling this asset did not appear to be the wisest move at the present time. Leasing the course seemed to be the solution that could fulfill the desire of the citizens of this town to stop the drain of public funds. A discussion regarding the possibility to tender the leasing of the course was not supported by the majority of Council and a motion was passed in principle to support Black Sands Management Group with the leasing of the course.
Administration worked diligently with Black Sands Management Group, sought advice from legal counsel on numerous occasions and presented its findings to Council who discussed the various aspects of the lease. The task for Council was not easy and concessions had to be made to make this lease possible to this group.
This lease was designed to give a chance for Black Sands Management Group to be successful in managing the Golf Course and to preserve and beautify the Golf Course as a prime asset for the Town . Ultimately, the Town will benefit by eliminating its yearly losses while protecting a valuable asset.
We, as Council, believe that we have achieved these goals by ratifying the motion to accept the lease between Black Sands Management Group and the Town of Cardston.
Mayor & Council
Town of Cardston
Watch out for what you can not see!
08/02/11 15:23
With weather conditions the way they have been this past month, drivers and pedestrians need to be more aware of traffic around them.
The ice under the snow makes it very difficult for drivers to stop for every person who either wants to back out of a parking stall or cross the street even in a crosswalk and with a light.
I have noted several people jaywalking, mainly on Main Street and on 2nd Ave. West by the post office. We are concerned about the safety of all and encourage everyone to do their part in making our roads safe.
When approaching a stop light, stop sign or yield sign give yourself a little more time and distance to make your stop. Same thing when you are making a turn, take the corner a lot slower it will save you time from making an accident report.
Let’s continue to be considerate of others using the roads and give ourselves just a little more time to get to where we want to be.
Lloyd Stewart
Community Peace Officer
The ice under the snow makes it very difficult for drivers to stop for every person who either wants to back out of a parking stall or cross the street even in a crosswalk and with a light.
I have noted several people jaywalking, mainly on Main Street and on 2nd Ave. West by the post office. We are concerned about the safety of all and encourage everyone to do their part in making our roads safe.
When approaching a stop light, stop sign or yield sign give yourself a little more time and distance to make your stop. Same thing when you are making a turn, take the corner a lot slower it will save you time from making an accident report.
Let’s continue to be considerate of others using the roads and give ourselves just a little more time to get to where we want to be.
Lloyd Stewart
Community Peace Officer
Power Outage Notice
21/01/11 14:35
The Town of Cardston will be experiencing a brief power outage on Friday January 21, 2011 from 12:00am – 12:30am.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Notice to Residents
18/01/11 14:34
Notice to Residents
It has come to the attention of the Town that there are individuals contacting home owners in the community stating that they need to enter your home to test your water. Please be advised that this is not Town Staff, but a private company selling a water filtration system.
If you have any concerns please contact the Town Office at 403-653-3366.
It has come to the attention of the Town that there are individuals contacting home owners in the community stating that they need to enter your home to test your water. Please be advised that this is not Town Staff, but a private company selling a water filtration system.
If you have any concerns please contact the Town Office at 403-653-3366.
Summer Games
04/06/10 16:37
Here is the list of sports available to compete in:
Basketball, athletics, badminton, baseball, beach volleyball, bowling, bridge, cribbage, cycling, equestrian, flag football, golf, handgun, small bore, kayaking, lacrosse, mini soccer, photography, pickle ball, running, slo-pitch, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and trapshooting.
Raising money for impoverished grandmothers
24/05/10 11:34
We will be asking for a $2 donation at the door to help pay for the cost of the meeting room at the Remington Carriage Centre.
Submitted by: Elaine Hall
Community Thank You
14/05/10 21:51
Thank You to people of Cardston and district for your support of the annual Mother’s Day Bake Sale of the Cardston Health Care Auxiliary. The money raised has gone towards an ECG machine for the Cardston Health Centre.
