Quote:
Originally Posted by OMG!WTF!
Wasn't the beginning of this problem switching from a business value basis for taxing businesses to a property tax assessment basis? And then assessing the property value as if it were the highest and best use? Like someone renting a dumpster on 4th st sw would be charged as if the building were a high rise condo or office? So it almost laser focuses the dramatic increases to the small business community. It's amazing reading articles from 4 years ago when the writing was well inscribed to the wall. It's also amazing to see the extent our councilors will go to to keep their precious jobs.
|
Best use taxation policy is good for long term city development. You want the dumpster on 4th to be developed into a Condo tower.
I agree this does have negative outcomes on businesses. I think getting rid of the business tax was the mistake.
The biggest problem though is our residential share of taxes is too low relative to other municipalities. Like most of the Alberta Advantage it was low taxes through prudent spending decisions it was low taxes do to O+G windfall.