When the provincial budget was released last week, Alberta municipalities also learned how much the government expects them to collect for its education budget. In Grande Prairie’s case, Mayor Bill Given says the amount of money has gone up almost 10 per cent.
“Even though council has asked staff to find a way to reduce the municipal portion down to just a 2.5 per cent increase, that will be an impact on property owners when they receive their tax bill from the city. That money does not go to the City of Grande Prairie; it goes directly to the provincial government.”
As the Swan City’s assessment base has grown, the education levy’s impact on taxpayers will likely end up being about an 8.5 per cent increase. Assessment Manager Scott Smith explains how that will look on your tax bill.
“On a house that was assessed $360,000 last year, it’s going to be a $144 dollar increase overall. Of that $144, $74 is municipal and the rest is education.”
Alberta raises 32 per cent of its education budget through a levy collected by municipalities. The city should finalize its tax rate in the next couple of weeks.
