Small urban municipalities are the centres of their region and also the ones to pay for the accompanying infrastructure, like pools or arenas … meaning they end up with the short end of the stick.
And turning to the Town of Westlock, depending how things go in February, it may end up paying for its own police force.
Take away provincial compensation through the grant in-lieu of taxes program, which means the town can’t charge property taxes on airports, churches, community halls, health facilities, seniors housing and provincial buildings.
Now, add the carbon tax to that equation, and what are you left with?
Counties don’t have to pay for a police force, although they can choose for an enhanced police officer position.
Unlike cities and large rural municipalities, the expenses of small urban municipalities far outweigh their revenue. Residential taxes, high as they may seem to some, are only a small portion of what pads the town’s coffers.
Attracting more investment into area is a key factor, as is infrastructure, location, services and profit that make investors want to stay.
Linear assessments — taxes from wells, pipelines, roads and powerlines — do make a difference, but how much depends on the municipality’s size and what natural resources and industry, usually, the area is blessed with.
That’s why regional collaboration is the way to go.
The province can’t pay for everything because after all, we pay the province. And the way the economy has been going, industrial investment hasn’t been too helpful.
Our region is at a prime time to work together. A regional collaboration study is underway as we speak and residents from the town, county and village are all encouraged to participate.
Most county residents drive into Westlock at some point in the week to do their grocery shopping, visit the doctor, work — take your pick. But only one group of taxpayer ends up footing the bill, or at least a good chunk of it.
It makes financial sense to spread the cost around. If we all use something, why not help pay for it?
