P.G. Council to Tackle Taxes, Dangerous Goods and Booze

Monday, April 27, 2009 03:58 AM

Prince George, B.C.- There is a full slate of work for the Council for City of Prince George.

This evening’s regular meeting will see Councillors setting the tax rate. The preferred option would mean the mean average increase of about $61 dollars to the municipal portion of taxes on the average home.

Also on the agenda for this evening, the first three readings of the Dangerous Goods route bylaw. The bylaw outlines the route and sets the fines.

The matter of alcohol sales at CN Centre will also be brought forth as the new Manager of the CN Centre will ask if Council would like to see a pilot project to allow beer sales in the general seating area instead of just designated areas during events.

There will also be a public hearing to amend the definition of gaming facility, to allow the addition of a horse racing teletheatre at the Treasure Cove Casino.

Council will be presented with some options in dealing with the burned out building on Quebec Street. The Municipal Charter does provide the City with some authority on the issue.

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Posted on Monday, April 27, 2009 03:58 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Jem on April 27 2009 8:16 AM

Our house prices go down and the taxes go up that is not fair they should go down to.

Posted by: downnotout on April 27 2009 8:52 AM

taxes are like potholes they just keep getting bigger

Posted by: hammmy on April 27 2009 8:58 AM

Thanks Mr. Rogers and council may you all go down in history.

Posted by: BCRacer on April 27 2009 9:23 AM

taxes going up....expected. Dangerous good route....didn't know we had one...every route goes right through town...except if you are passing through from jasper to quesnel and then you go right by the airport....
Booze....pretty much a given I fear.
More gambling...this will probably be an overwhelming for sure.
Burnedout buildings...hmmmm. I think that unless someone wants the land, things will remain status quo.

well there are my predictions for tonight...

Posted by: Loki on April 27 2009 11:35 AM

maybe I am just stupid, but why do tax rates change? I can see if the value of my home changes that the amount I pat would change, but to arbitrary increase a tax rate to meet a budget is an easy out and does not address better fiscal management.

I can't arbitrarily increase the rate my clients, customers and employer pays me. How does city council think this is OK?

Go back to the budget and start trimming. If a rate increase is still in order, go back and do it again until there is no shortfall.

It is real simple to save money, STOP SPENDING IT!

Posted by: gus on April 27 2009 1:11 PM

Loki....

The City is like Condo development. You own part of it as your own and you own a part of the common area. As an owner you elect members onto the condo association. They have one source for money to pay for the maintenance of the common areas, the individual unit owners.

If you are used to receiving a certain level of service for a certain amount of money, if the cost of the same service goes up, you need to decide whether to pay more money for the same service or hold the line on your condo fee and reduce the service.

The City operation generally has one source or money - the property owners, whether through tax or through user fees.

If people in the condo asssociation want to build a new party room, build a swimming pool, a handball court, whatever, it is the majority that decide. If you do not aggree with the decision of others, you have the option of moving. The same with a city. You have the choice of moving from one part of the city to another or to a rural area otuside the city, or another city.

The mill rate moves up and down based on the requirement for money and the property appraisals. If the house values rise more than the % change in the additional money required, then the rate goes down. If it is the reverse, then the mill rates rise.

Posted by: thereasonableman on April 27 2009 2:34 PM

It certainly makes rural properties more attractive.

Posted by: Lamb on April 28 2009 6:10 PM

Gus,
I usually like to follow your comments as they make sense. This one stymies me. If you don't like it "move". Life is just not that simple. There are such factors as "roots", "family", "investment in the hometown". As one gets more and more impacted by industry, and one has a limited income, there is no such easy choice as "moving". There is also a sense of dignity and belief in your hometown.

I am disappointed in your comment.