Tip #6(C) Getting Down to Brass Tacks about Property Taxes A handy metric…

… for estimating the impact of tax changes. A 1% change to the #SalmonArm property taxation rate for all tax classes equals ~ $250K in revenues. That’s it!

As per Tip 6(a), property taxes are the main source of #SalmonArm revenues. Here’re a few ways this metric is handy if you’re considering running for local government this fall.

Infrastructure, equipment and services are increasingly expensive.

There are many things that a city regularly needs: new equipment (a new fire truck costs well over $500K – key flow pumps for our water & waste systems cost millions of dollars each), annual paving is well over a million dollars, protective services is the largest budget function, principal & interest borrowed for initiatives are paid back annually and the list goes on & on. Plus, the annual rate of inflation for city goods and services is much higher than the inflation rate for regular folks based on what’s in our basket of required services.

The city does save over time for big spends by judiciously putting funds into reserve but there are many immediate and necessary demands that require more immediate annual funding. If you’re campaigning on increasing or decreasing services …

Continue reading “6(c) Getting Down to Brass Tacks about Property Taxes” →

Tip 6(b) Here’re the budget functions that #SalmonArm taxation funds. If you’re running for council, you need to understand (& have a stance on) these allocations. In general, there’s a continuous call from the public to spend *more* in all the major functions. You’ll be adopting the 2027 budget shortly after you get elected. Chart is from this current budget year. The relative ratios stay fairly consistent year-to-year.

Tip #6a If it’s not in the #SalmonArm annual budget it doesn’t get done! There’s a very long list of competing, important & costly civic needs. All of which are mainly funded by property taxation and constrained by what property owners can reasonably handle. If elected, you’ll be making these decisions shortly after starting your term. It’s a multi-year learning process to be sure but you’ll need to be ready right from the get-go. *Considering running in our local election*

Tip #5 Recognize the pros/cons & personal tradeoffs of being an elected local govt official – if you’re thinking of running in #SalmonArm ’s local election this fall *This 2025 graphic from Taber sums it up nicely

Tip #4 It’s a very good thing to be familiar with the 2025 Annual Report if you’re thinking of running in #SalmonArm ’s local government election this fall The AR summarizes Core Services & key Financial Reports all in one spot https://pub-salmonarm.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx…

Thinking of running in #SalmonArm ’s local government election this fall? Here’s Tip #3 Candidates are responsible to know and follow the election rules. Here’s the provincial link (see below) to prescribed timelines, nominations & guides from advertising to financial disclosures … and everything in between. https://elections.bc.ca/loc…/2026-general-local-elections/