Some Calgary councillors are fighting to prevent a tax increase in 2017, saying it would relieve pressure in the economic downturn, but Mayor Nenshi isn’t sure such a measure is even possible.
The motion was put forward by Ward 1 councillor Ward Sutherland, but he does have support.
Joe Magliocca, Ward 2, and Ray Jones, Ward 5, both say that a zero tax increase is possible, as long as appropriate cuts are made.
“I don’t think the world is going to end,” said Magliocca. “You can’t tell me we can’t find savings.”
In 2017, Calgary’s budget shortfall is expected to be somewhere in the range of $20 to $48M.
Along with cost savings, councillors say the city could dip into the contingency fund or the financial stability reserve to cover the shortfall.
Mayor Nenshi is still skeptical about the idea and also says that if a zero percent increase is found, it would just mean a higher increase in 2018.
Administration has been ordered to look into the possibility of increases in the range of zero to 3.2 percent.
Options will be presented for discussions on Monday.
