Sylvan Lake councillors proposed a 2.4 per cent property tax rate increase for the 2013 budget, following more than 12 hours of discussion spread over Oct. 30 and 31, and Nov. 3.
Many owners will see a 1.3 per cent increase in their taxes because property values have declined since 2012, said Darren Moore, Sylvan Lake’s director of finance.
The increase translates to around $21.50 extra taxes for average property owners in 2013. There will also be a $72 water and sewer rate increase, and a $2.40 cardboard recycling green box fee increase.
The property tax increases will bring the town an additional $381,000 in revenue.
There will be no change to the recreation levy, which will continue to add $400,000 annually to the town’s funds.
Most recreational facilities will have no increase to user fees, as detailed in a presentation by Ron Lebsack, director of recreation, parks and culture. He proposed increasing swim lesson costs and program fees at the aquatic centre, but suggested no change to drop-in admission rates.