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Councillors still can’t decide on tax increase

Apr 5, 2011 | 6:40 AM

Councillors have rejected another possible tax scenario, this time rejecting it in executive committee.

Councillors were presented with an updated tax scenario that would set a $60 base tax for residential properties, while keeping a commercial base tax between $300 and $3,000.

The updated numbers came after a majority of councillors rejected passing the tax bylaw with a $100 base tax at the previous council meeting.

On Monday, there wasn’t much debate at all before it was rejected.

Mayor Jim Scarrow moved that the committee recommend the $60 base tax and after clarification on the numbers the vote was called.

The majority of councillors voted against the proposal, but didn’t give an explanation — nor where they required to.

Their decision against committing to a figure simply means next Monday’s council meeting will be the ground for debate on the tax increase.

Ultimately, council has the final say on what any tax increase looks like, but they’re not facing an easy decision.

The city is facing a growing infrastructure debt that needs money, but at the same time, Prince Albert residents have shown they’re not in favour of a tax increase.

The debate over the increase will continue next week.

adesouza@panow.com