‘Costs are going through the roof at every turn.’
‘Families are struggling to make ends meet.’
‘Inflation is wreaking havoc with household budgets.’
These kinds of headlines have become so commonplace that it’s easy to become immune to the toll the economy is taking on people these days. Hopefully members of Okotoks council are mindful of the fragile state of personal finances as they sit down to approve the 2024 municipal operating budget next week.
Council is considering a five per cent hike that would add about $140 to the average annual property tax bill as well as an increase to the natural gas franchise fee that would tack on another $82 per year for the average natural gas customer.
The increases on the table work out to less than $20 per month, so when compared to skyrocketing grocery bills or frightening mortgage renewals, they could be considered a drop in the bucket. Although that’s one way to look at them, they could also be viewed as piling on, yet another cost increase courtesy of those who somehow think that households have an endless supply of money.
We’d like Okotoks councillors to keep that last thought in mind as they debate next year’s budget and ultimately settle on a tax rate. There's no doubt that inflationary pressures and service demands are weighing on the Town’s operating budget, but council members must also be aware that whatever the outcome, they’ll be passing along a bill to many people who are already struggling.
It’s incumbent on our elected leaders to come to the meeting with the sharpest knife possible to do whatever they can to minimize the pain.
It might not end up making a huge difference dollar-wise, but it just might show beleaguered taxpayers that someone actually cares.
