Friday, November 16, 2012

Local Gov'ts get Grants in lieu of taxes in '12

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Government is distributing $16.9 million in compensation for municipal property taxes to 64 communities throughout British Columbia, Minister of Citizens’ Services and Open Government Ben Stewart announced today.

Grants-in-lieu of property taxes are distributed every November as a way to reimburse communities for services that benefited government properties, such as municipally-run sewers, roads and fire protection.

According to the Municipal Aid Act, a grant-in-lieu is payable on land owned by the provincial government – for example, courthouses, provincial government office buildings, ambulance stations and warehouses. Since schools and hospitals are exempt from paying municipal property taxes, a grant-in-lieu is not payable on these properties. In addition, highways, forests, parks or land under the control, management or administration of a Crown corporation are excluded from compensation under the act.

The funds are distributed electronically on behalf of government by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and Open Government. The amounts paid are based on the municipality’s tax rate and the assessed value of the properties.

Ben Stewart, BC's Minister of Open Government says:

“Grants-in-lieu provide much-needed funding for local governments, allowing them to invest extra money into meaningful projects. These funds can have a huge impact on communities throughout British Columbia because they help municipalities to continue providing services residents and businesses rely on.”

The District of Wells will recieve $1,817.70
The City of Quesnel will receive $55,018.97
The City of Williams Lake will receive $61,764.33
The District of 100 Mile House will receive $21,396.73

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