Thanks Sask Party and SARM

[oneoff]

[I]There are closed council sessions every year to discuss a budget. After deciding how many dollars are required for next years operations; there are more closed discussions as to which classes of taxpayers get to be the ones hardest hit . First the legislated rates of % of assessed value that becomes taxable assessment are automatically applied. (eg. if the majority of a quarter called pasturewould be about 40 some percent of assessed value; whilst if that same quarter had ever been broken it would be 80%). Then mill rates are set for agricultural, residential and commercial etc. Then the almighty mill rate factor that is more powerful than any thing else can be applied; as it can shift where most tax dollars come from quite dramatically. (eg the commercial oil industry assessed assets may attract a 1.2 or even 6.0 or so factor while a dollar of agriculture assessment may be left at 0.8). And just for information... a council could decide that everybody only pays a flat rate of say $1750 dollars; no matter what the assessment was. Or that basically coal or oil or potash funds all money required.

Not to mention base taxes that can be levied; special head tax levies for any individual name appearing on a tax notices etc. etc..

But not a word yet on this thread about jumping municipal taxes by 60 to 70% in one year. Thats no lie and that's exactly what can happen (with no real checks and balances) to any smug individuals who sneaked by with only complaining about education taxes and teachers salaries.

Get real and look at the big picture. Your local teachers aren't your enemies; and sure as hell aren't the center of the big picture.

[furrowtickler]

Well said oneoff

[fjlip]

.........now look who is back living in the Utopian Garden of Eden! ;-0

Farma reporting to you from the Sahara Slum of the Ghetto.

Could be for sale, will let you know, you can move on up from the Sahara slum to Garden of Eden,
Never have to worry about rain again!

[Guest]

Could be for sale, will let you know, you can move on up from the Sahara slum to Garden of Eden,
Never have to worry about rain again!

that's what I thought here , but went 8 weeks w/o rain . until we swathed some oats

[oneoff]

OK So does a 68% increase in agricultural land taxes (over last year's levy) win as the biggest tax grab in the province of Sask

[farmaholic]

http://www.smb.gov.sk.ca/assessment_appeals.htm

Saskatchewan Municipal Board
Assessment Appeals Committee:


"Can I base my appeal on the fact that I feel my taxes are too high?No. Legislation outlines what are considered valid grounds for appeal. Taxes are not a valid basis for appeal. The amount of taxes you pay is based upon the municipality's mill rate which is tied to the assessment of the properties in that municipality. If you feel that your assessment is too high you must compare it to similar properties within your municipality or school division to provide evidence to the Board of Revision that your property is assessed incorrectly."

Why so much? Does your RM only/mostly have Ag land as a tax base?

Ours went up as well but not 68%!

[oneoff]

Just to be really concise

The administrative staff is supposed to tell you "what" council decided. And they do. You also get to know with hard evidence such as a tax notice that confirms "what" did happen...as in a 68% year over year ag land tax increase

To get "why" council did make the decision; councillors alone "own" their decisions. Ratepayers rely on accountability; which is next to non-existant in this case.

And no we aren't oil deficient...and yes we have/had gravel resources that are the envy of everyone ...anywhere..

My take is that you spend $600,000 on graders to create road wear that blows dust around like it isn't eroding the road base. And you trade in 5000 hr machine that is in warranty in because the Cat salesmen offers $68,000 trade-in value for that machine that no one would want to buy. A machine with some weight and capacity and a steering wheel to hang onto.

And you create lotteries of tens of thousands (As in $20,000 to maybe $150,000) for clay supply to cap roads that could/would be totally adequate if those graders were put to productive use in dry periods such as this year.

And deliberately sticking council's nose into business such as environmental problems belonging entirely to other parties. At a cost of close to $8000.00 in one case.

And extending make work programs to council members that employees are fully capable of handling if allowed to do their jobs without day to day interference.



You want more...I'm too worn out just now.

[LEP]

I would imagine there will be a wholesale change on the half of council up next election. Dont think anyone would be happy with a 68% tax increase, even if it is a relative on council.

Better get ready to throw your hat into the ring. Also talk to other like minded individuals so you create real change.

[sofa.king]

Corruption runs rampant in politics and it starts at lowest levels of govt. I've seen guys that can't hardly manage their own farms but think they can run a municipality.

[chuckChuck]

I think the problem with politics is voters and citizens who don't care. Politicians are a reflection of society. Many act only in self interest with little concern with doing whats best for everyone. At all levels of government and society, many only care about themselves and their friends and supporters. Everybody thinks their point of view is not being heard and that someone else is getting better treatment. Everybody wants to pay low taxes but expects to live in a great country with all kinds of services and support when they need it. Don't be surprised that people have conflicts of interest all the time. We live in a society where individual wealth is more important to most people than the welfare of the entire community.

[the big wheel]

That is true Chuck.

[farmaholic]

Chuck, I hate the word "welfare", it has negative connotations...it works in your statement but I would prefer "well being".

Potato potato
Tomato tomato

[oneoff]

The problem could also be a deliberate act of not wishing to be informed about the reasons why decisions are being made. WHEN LOCAL POLITICIANS; THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS and supporters CAN'T/WON'T BE HELD TO STANDARDS EXPECTED OF OTHERS...WE'RE RIPE FOR EVIL TO PREVAIL...JUST CONTINUE TO DO NOTHING TO EXPECT FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY