Birch Hills County could lose as much as $1 million if a provincial proposal goes ahead.
The county is referring to a plan, which outlines four scenarios of oil and gas companies receiving property tax deductions.
Even on the low end, Birch Hills claims it will lose a minimum of $450,000 in revenue from the tax break.
In a media release, Reeve, Gerald Manzulenko said that to make up for the loss in revenue, council would be forced to: reduce services and the workforce, increase the residential and non-residential mill rates, or a combination.
In the letter, Manzulenko says, “the intent of the review was to ‘enhance industry competitiveness while concurrently ensuring the ongoing viability of municipalities.’’’
If you live in Birch Hills and want more information, Manzulenko suggests you call your local Councillor and also advises making Central Peace-Notley MLA, Todd Loewen aware of this issue.
Birch Hills isn’t the only county to speak out against this proposed change as Reeve Carolyn Kolebaba of Northern Sunrise County was at the legislature last week to protest the proposal.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
