I would like to wish everyone in Ward 2 a Happy New Year! Do you know a Calgarian who has made an important contribution to our city or community? Consider nominating them for a Calgary Award! The Calgary Awards Program launches on January 15, 2020. For categories and nomination details, visit calgary.ca/calgaryawards.
Council has concluded its 2020 budget deliberations. I thank everyone who wrote to my office with your suggestions on how to make our City better. I heard very clearly from residents that The City needs to reduce its spending to keep taxes low. That is why Councillors Jeromy Farkas, Sean Chu, and I proposed a motion to reduce City spending by $50 Million and increase funding to essential services like police and fire. This would have been achieved by finding 5% efficiencies in all departments. I also proposed and supported motions to cut $50 Million from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, cut $6.4 Million from the arts, cut $1.2 Million from City communications and other amendments to reduce spending. Unfortunately, Council did not support these motions to reduce spending, and instead voted to increase taxes. I voted against the 2020 Budget as I felt we need to lower property taxes, not increase tax, for Calgary homeowners and businesses that are struggling with high taxes.
Watch for your 2020 Property Assessment Notice as they have been mailed out to your home. The information contained in these assessment notices will be used to prepare the 2020 property tax bills. If you have any questions about your property assessment, contact Assessment at 403-268-2888 during the Customer Review Period on now until March 10, 2020. Visit calgary.ca/assessment to get more information.
