Lethbridge council votes to approve four-year operating budget, 5.1 per cent tax increase
Lethbridge council has voted unanimously to approve the 2023-26 operating budget.
That means residents will see a 5.1 per cent increase for each of the next four years.
Taxes on a $285,800 single-family home will go up $129.93 a year.
Council originally projected an increase of 3.77 per cent, however, Mayor Blaine Hyggen says after holding the line on property taxes during the pandemic, the increase is needed to service the growing city.
“We, who are all sitting up here, we're all taxpayers and it’s tough sometimes because you think, 'Gosh, you raise this.' We're all paying the same thing.” Hyggen said.
“We would like them to be zero, but we understand the service that is needed to operate this community.”
Public safety makes up the two largest budget items this term.
“Public safety is the No. 1 concern residents come to city council with and this budget reflects the investment we’re making to address those concerns,” Hyggen said.
The Lethbridge Police Service will see the hiring of 37.5 positions over the next four years.
LPS will add 22 police officers – seven youth engagement officers and 15 police officers – along with 15.5 civilian staff positions at a price tag of $16 million.
The Lethbridge Fire Department has also been approved to add 13 new firefighters at a cost of $6 million.
Hyggen says although the 5.1 per cent increase has been passed, that could change.
“It’s set at 5.1 and that's what is currently going forward, but I’m hoping we can come back and find some additional efficiencies that we can find throughout the corporation and reduce that,” Hyggen said.
The new adjustment will be applied to the municipal portion of residential property taxes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as explosions and loud noise reportedly heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes over western Iran without explanation early Friday as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic reported 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.