No municipal tax increase for Stratford, P.E.I.: mayor
Last Updated: Thursday, November 26, 2009 | 4:23 PM AT
CBC News
The mayor of Stratford, P.E.I., is promising no municipal tax increases for residents next year.
The town continues to grow and a tax hike isn't needed, Mayor Kevin Jenkins said during a pre-budget public consultation meeting Wednesday night that was attended by only two people.
"We're certainly firm on holding the line on the tax rate," he said.
The news comes on the heels of a controversial plan by the P.E.I. government to change property tax assessments.
Under the proposed amendments to the Real Property Assessment Act that were introduced Tuesday, property tax increases would be tied to the province's consumer price index. But when the home is sold, the property tax would be reassessed based on market value, likely causing a sharp increase in the taxes for the new owner, critics say.
"Everybody's taxes are high enough, and we all have to tighten our belt a little bit and live within our means and we think we can still do a pretty good job of meeting the needs of residents in terms of street lights and police and recreation within the existing tax structure," said Jenkins.
"Our growth over the last few years...has certainly provided some new revenues for us...and we think we can continue to provide good basic services on that revenue stream that we do have."
Spending priorities in Stratford will continue to be sidewalk and trail construction, work on the lagoons and waterfront development, Jenkins said.
The budget will be delivered in January.
Meanwhile, Jenkins plans to continue to hold pre-budget meetings, despite the low turnout, he said, suggesting it indicates most residents are satisfied with the direction council is taking.
