The lower than anticipated tax rate offers residents relief while maintaining and enhancing County services and operations.
Sturgeon County Council approved a 2.9 per cent tax rate increase at their meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Council set the County’s budget in December with a 3.9 per cent tax increase. However, the County’s property assessment values came in higher than anticipated, and Council was able to reduce the planned tax increase from 3.9 per cent down to 2.9 per cent.
“We are pleased to be able to offer residents a lower than anticipated tax increase this year,” said Mayor Alanna Hnatiw. “In December, during the budgeting process, we faced many challenges with the cost of high inflation and Alberta’s new rural policing funding model. These costs and funding changes are outside of the County’s control.”
Property assessment and tax notices will be mailed by May 18, 2023. The notices will also include Provincial requisitions for education, which is approximately $56 more than in 2022, and seniors housing. These rates are set by the Province of Alberta and collected by Sturgeon County on the Province’s behalf.
“Our plans, budgets and strategic investment decisions are made to improve the lives of our residents,” said Hnatiw. “We are fortunate that the County is in a strong financial position, and we are able to offer enhancements to our service delivery and ways to make doing business with the County easier.”
This year, the average Sturgeon County homeowner, with a property assessed at $496,000, will see an increase of about $53 per year, and businesses valued at $750,000, will see an increase of approximately $228 per year.
Property tax payments can be made in person or using the drop off box (cheque or money order only) at Sturgeon County Centre (9612 100 Street, Morinville, AB), by mail (do not mail cash), at a bank or other financial institution, with a credit card using a third party payment processor, or by signing up for the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP).
The deadline for payment of 2023 property taxes is June 30, 2023. Any current year unpaid taxes are subject to a six per cent penalty on July 1 and August 1. A 12% penalty will be applied to the remaining balances on March 1, 2024.
Property owners wishing to connect with the County about their property tax assessment can email assessment@sturgeoncounty.ca or call 780-939-0601. It is important to talk to your assessor before filing a complaint.
More information about the property assessment and tax program is available on the County’s website SturgeonCounty.ca/Tax.
Quick Facts:
- The 2.9% tax rate will impact for the average Sturgeon County homeowner, with a property assessed at $496,000, with an increase of $53 per year, and businesses valued at $750,000, would see an increase of approximately $228 per year.
- The 2023 Operating and Capital budget was passed on December 13, 2022.
- In the budget, there is a total of $116.5 million designated over three years for capital investment. This includes $76.7 million over three years for investment in the County’s transportation infrastructure ($22.6 million in 2023, $30.9 million in 2024, and $23.2 million in 2025).
- In the approved three-year capital budget, significant infrastructure projects are planned, such as road rehabilitation work along Range Road 251 (including the internal roads at Cardiff Park), Lamoureux Drive, and Township Road 564 to Goose Hummock Golf Course. There is paving planned in the Woodridge Subdivision and road reconstruction along Township Road 554 and Boysdale Road/Riverside Park to the Sturgeon River.
- This year, the budget was informed by the public through an online Budget Survey where residents ranked strategic priorities for the County.
Related News:
County recommends its first multi-year budget
Media inquiries:
Rhonda Linklater
Senior Communications and Engagement Officer
587-674-1533
rlinklater@sturgeoncounty.ca