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Calgary City Council adjusts affordability as budget debate continues – Calgary

Calgary City Council members are set to begin debate on amendments to the proposed four-year budget, with some officials indicating they are considering changes to address affordability.

The sign came after a lengthy hearing in which 128 Calgarians lined up to give feedback on the 2023-2026 budget. A total of 153 people, including speakers from Civic Partners on Monday.

While few citizens were critical of next year’s proposed property tax hike, some expressed concern about rising inflation and costs.

Speaking to Global News after speaking at the council, Andrew Kaiser said: “Maybe for every dollar he spends, the council should force him to save a dollar.”

The proposed budget calls for an overall property tax increase of 4.4% in 2023. It will be followed by an average tax increase of 3.7% for the remaining years of the budget.

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From transit to climate, Calgarians talk about proposed four-year budget

City officials say next year’s price increase equates to a $10 monthly increase for the average Calgary homeowner.

“Affordability isn’t about not being able to pay $10 a month, it’s also the compounding effect of all other costs to homeowners and citizens,” said First District Councilor Sonya Sharp. increase.

Calgary’s household spending is expected to grow 7.1% this year amid inflationary pressures, according to the budget document.

“It feels very uneven, especially at gas stations and grocery stores, where prices have risen significantly more than that,” said Brian Trafford, chief investment officer at CH Financial. increase.

“We’re talking about 10 to 15 percent. These are very large numbers and will obviously be a significant concern if they continue.”

In response, the city council asked the administration to formulate a budget that limits spending to below inflation and population growth.

But local governments across the state are also feeling the pressure of inflation and are proposing higher property taxes in upcoming budgets.

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Property tax increases are proposed for local governments across Alberta, according to a preliminary budget document.

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Kathy Herron, Mayor of St. Albert and president of the Alberta Municipality, called the situation a “perfect storm” of inflation, the continued impact on revenues from the COVID-19 pandemic, and a cost download from the state. I called.

Herron added that years of tax increases below the cost of living have also caught up with many Alberta cities.

“This is a statewide and probably nationwide issue,” Heron told Global News. “This is not a problem that arises as a result of mismanagement or inefficiency of funds.”

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Edmonton’s proposed 2023-2026 operating budget calls for an annual tax increase of 3.9%

Sharpe told reporters during the board break on Wednesday that he was considering using the reserve to offset the proposed property tax hike.

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“Reserves have parameters and rules about them and terms of reference, so I’m asking. What can that money be used for?” Sharp said. “One of his speakers this morning talked about the amount of money he could get from the planning and development reserves.

“I’m asking questions like, ‘What else can you do with the rest of that $97 million?'”

Meanwhile, Mayor Jyoti Gondec said at the hearing that he had heard that transportation was an “overwhelming concern and problem” for Calgarians.

Transportation costs, including low-income passes, are set to see the proposed budget increase. But Gondek said some lawmakers are considering keeping those rates at their current levels.

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Smith announced Alberta’s financial relief package during a televised speech

On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Daniel Smith announced in a televised address several economic relief measures he would bring to Alberta, including investments in transit passes for low-income residents.

“I don’t know what the prime minister is going to do about transit passes for low-income people, what the government is going to do, how soon they will be able to tell us,” he said. Gondek said. “This council still has a great responsibility to act.

“Myself and many of my colleagues are at least concerned with the freeze rate.”

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Budget deliberations continue on Thursday, with city councilors submitting amendments before finalizing the four-year plan later this week.

© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.



Calgary City Council adjusts affordability as budget debate continues – Calgary

Source link Calgary City Council adjusts affordability as budget debate continues – Calgary

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