Granum ratepayers will pay a special tax to raise a total of $235,000 to help pay the costs of infrastructure upgrades in the hamlet.
MD of Willow Creek passed a special tax by-law April 12 after reviewing a report from administration.
The Town of Granum was dissolved on Feb. 1, 2020.
At that time an infrastructure study was conducted by Alberta Municipal Affairs and it was determined a $14.7-million infrastructure deficit existed in Granum.
The MD of Willow Creek has been actively seeking grant funding to address critical infrastructure needs in the hamlet.
In 2020 a special tax was initiated to provide $235,000 annually to begin rebuilding critical infrastructure within Granum to undertake projects which would ensure service continuity.
A total of 26 projects were completed in 2020.
This tax rate in Granum is based on the difference between the MD of Willow Creek mill rate and the 2019 mill rate for the Town of Granum.
Total property tax revenues levied by the MD of Willow Creek including the special tax are planned to be no higher than they were previously under the Town of Granum.
However, there may be some instances where, due to assessment changes arising from increased property values, the total taxes may rise.
A municipality may levy, through an annual by-law, a special tax to provide or construct a special service that will benefit a defined area within a municipality.
The municipality is restricted to recovering only the costs incurred in a given budget and on an annual basis for project costs related to a specific purpose or service.
In 2023, the special tax will raise $235,000 for infrastructure and maintenance projects within Granum including:
- Granum Surfacing Work — Grey Street and First Avenue, with asphalt and concrete curb and gutter where underground infrastructure are estimated to not be vulnerable.
- Bulk water fill station re-configuration.
- Water main break repairs.
Council approved all three readings of the special tax by-law.
