In a less than unanimous decision, Calgary city council has determined the future of a much publicized, unexpected surplus.
While collecting city property taxes, the city overestimated the amount the province would collect and adjusted their budget accordingly. When the Alberta government asked for $632 million instead of the city’s estimate of $684 million, council discovered they had an unexpected $52 million of taxpayer contributions.
On Monday afternoon, by a vote of 9-5, council decided the $52 million will be used in 2013 to pay for flood related costs.
Councillors who voted for:
- Mayor Nenshi
- Gord Lowe
- Jim Stevenson
- Gael MacLeod
- Richard Pootmans
- Druh Farrell
- John Mar
- Gian-Carlo Carra
- Brian Pincott
Councillors who voted against:
- Dianne Colley-Urquhart
- Peter Demong
- Shane Keating
- Andre Chabot
- Roy Jones
Ward 1 Councillor Dale Hodges was not present at the time of the vote.
The city manager predicts the total cost of flood damage to City of Calgary property could reach $500 million.
