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Property tax rates to rise in Medicine Hat

Apr 11, 2017 | 5:08 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat residents will have to dig into their pocketbooks a bit more with an increase in property taxes ahead for the city.

Single family dwellings will see a jump of around 3.5%, with the average home owner paying around $85 to $90 more per year.

Councillor Robert Dumanowski said the new rates are quite reasonable.

“Medicine Hat is still well at the bottom, second from the lowest in the comparable cities that are looked at in this country,” said Dumanowski. “That gives me pleasure knowing that despite the fact we have to impose an increase, we’re still weathering that storm very well.”

Non-residential properties had a median increase assessment of 1.8%, while the overall tax rate was increased by just under 4%.

Dumanowski adds neither residential nor business owners saw huge jumps this year.

“The single-family versus business comparable for this coming year is going to be equal to the last, at 2.35%,” he said. “So, the ratio hasn’t changed and the burden is, if you will, equal to both residential and non-residential for the coming year.”

In total, the City will receive just over $94 million in tax-generated revenue this year to be used for their 2017 Operating Budget.

General Manager of Finance Dennis Egert explains the next steps in the process.

“The tax notices will be mailed out in May, and property owners have until June 30 to pay,” said Egert. “I’d encourage them also to consider our TIP program, and that’s a different way of paying taxes. So, please call customer service and inquire about the Tax Instalment Program.”

City Council will be presented with and vote on the updated property tax bylaw on Monday.