Staff
As town council rolls up its sleeves to dig into the 2017 budget, it will vote tonight on a bylaw to institute an interim tax levy.
As in previous years, the interim levy is equal to about half of the total amount of taxes property owners paid in 2016.
Interim tax levies are a means to secure revenue to keep operating while council determines the final tax rates for 2017.
Implementing interim tax levies is a common practice each January, and is permissible under the Municipal Act.
If the bylaw is passed tonight (as expected), interim tax bills will be mailed out shortly.
Fifty percent of the levy will be due and payable by Feb. 28, with the balance due by March 31.
Council also will vote tonight on a bylaw to authorize temporary borrowing in the amount of $4 million to meet 2016 expenditures (this is normal procedure until revenues are collected).
The committee of the whole will meet first at 5:30 p.m., but will go in-camera for an indefinite length of time to discuss four items.
Other business on tonight’s agenda includes:
•a report re: uncollectable accounts receivable customer accounts;
•a resolution re: railway taxation;
•a report re: the Northwestern Health Unit levy for 2017;
•applications for tax adjustment at 927 McKenzie Ave. and 1018 and 1020 First St. E.;
•a letter from the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce re: funding support in 2017;
•a letter requesting council proclaim Feb. 1-7 as “Eating Disorder Awareness Week” here; and
•a letter from F. Jewell, Steering Committee Chair, Heart of the Continent Partnership, re: voluntary annual dues.
