Taxes

2018 Increase Set at 2.18%

Council has adopted a 2.18% tax increase in 2018. The impact on the typical single family dwelling, assessed at $530,600, will be $35.06 for the year.

Council had contemplated a 2.58% increase; however that amount was able to be reduced due to higher than expected growth in the community over the past year.

When are taxes due?

Property tax notices will be sent through the mail at the end of May. Payments will be due July 3. Late payments are charged a 10% penalty on July 4, including any unclaimed Home Owner Grant (HOG) amounts. Remember to claim your HOG! Claim online by visiting:

• Online Services

For property tax payment options and other information please go to our Property Tax webpage.

What have past tax increases been?

Tax increases have been routinely kept to 3% or less, except in the first full year of incorporation. In 2008, the increase was set at 5%, based on the recommendation of the committee studying incorporation:

• 2009: 2.00%
• 2010: 2.35%
• 2011: 2.24%
• 2012: 3.00%
• 2013: 2.95%
• 2014: 2.95%
• 2015: 2.70%
• 2016: 3.00%
• 2017: 3.00%
• 2018: 2.18%

What things are considered when establishing tax levels?

Staff and Council know that tax dollars are limited, despite a multitude of service, program and infrastructure requests. Mayor and Council and most city staff are tax paying residents too.

To ensure strategic spending, the city uses recommendations from master plans and assessments on infrastructure. Staff also conducts an annual Citizens' Survey to determine what services residents deem most important. Staff and Council refer back to the survey as part of budget planning and deliberations.