Halifax councillor suggests proposed tax increases be entirely paid for by residents

Halifax regional council began discussions Wednesday on itsproposed billion-dollar budget for 2021-22.

Finance officials are recommending spending $827.2 million onoperations and up to $230 million oncapital projects.

The budget calls for a 1.9 per centincrease to the average tax bills of both residential and commercial taxpayers. For the average single family home worth $250,000that would add an extra $38 to the tax bill. For the average commercial property, it would mean an extra $817.

Coun. Shawn Clearysaid he wants to help small business owners struggling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He suggested not increasing taxes on the commercial side, and insteadshifting it to residents.

"We're not allowed to give money to private businesses under our charter, but this might be one way to take less from them," said Cleary.

Impact on average residentialtax bill

Finance officials said that would mean the increase for the average tax bill would go from $38 to $66.

Mayor Mike Savage supports the idea of reducing the tax burden on small businesses.

"It does make some sense and is worthy of some consideration," he said.

Others are not as keen.

"I don't think it's necessarily going to do what we want it to do," said Coun.Waye Mason.

"We'll be giving a break to the Walmarts, the CanadianTires and other big players that can afford it as well," said Coun. Sam Austin.

He pointed out many small business owners are also homeowners.

Coun.Iona Stoddard said some people who pay residential property taxes have lost their jobs because of COVID-19.

"So having to pay more than 1.9 per cent would cause them some grief," she said."I know there'll be some resistance to that."

Chief financial officerJane Frasertold council that although the impact of COVID-19could last for 18 months, the citywas in better shape than expected. She said95 per cent of the municipality's property taxes have been paid.

The next budget debate will take placeJan.20.