COUNCIL CORNER: Town of Tofield has NIL tax increase, extends payment deadline, cuts penalty
Friends, recently, Council passed the motion of the Town of Tofield’s 2020 Budget.
Council voted unanimously to implement a NIL increase to the Municipal portion, equating to a 0% increase for 2020.
Now, it is important to note that there are other requirements built into the taxes which will receive their own mill rate. These further requirements being; Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC), Beaver Foundation, the School Foundation Fund, and the newly imposed Police Funding.
Beaver Emergency Services (BESC) may be an unknown service to many. Therefore, Council felt it important to provide a descriptor. BESC provides fire protection services to Tofield and Beaver County on a whole. These services include the operation of fire halls, as well as the maintenance, upkeep and purchasing of buildings and equipment, such as firetrucks and tankers to provide this essential service to the communities they support.
Also, the Police Funding is a new requisition imposed by the Province. This will now require funding for municipalities who were formerly not required to put monies forward. This now includes both the Town of Tofield as well as our friends at the County of Beaver.
Friends, please note: requisitions from these other agencies will contribute to an increase outside of the Town’s control. Therefore, overall, the Total Mill Rate (Municipal, School, Seniors Foundation, BESC and Police Funding) will see varying increases on individual properties. Council felt it important for property owners to be aware of these pieces which are required outside of simply the municipal component.
Council remains committed to the citizens of Tofield, especially during the continued global pandemic. Therefore, it was a strong, unanimous decision to move forward with a motion for a 0% increase for Municipal Taxes.
Your voices have been heard and Council will continue to remain fiscally prudent.
Also, given the constraints that many have felt due to the global pandemic, Council, through Administration’s guidance has extended the date for taxation payment. The date has been extended from August 31st, 2020, to October 1st, 2020. Council has also provided a motion to lessen the penalty of unpaid taxes for 2020. Penalties will be applied on October 2nd, 2020 at a 3% rate and then further for unpaid accounts to 6% on November 1st, 2020.
Council remains unanimous in their obligation to the electorate of Tofield, especially during these difficult unprecedented times. Friends, stay well, stay healthy and be kind to one another.
Respectfully submitted,
Mayor and Council
Town of Tofield
