The Village of Delia passed the 2020 Tax Rate Bylaw, maintaining its rate for the fourth straight year.
Mayor David Sisley told residents in his monthly Mayor’s Message, the CAO and council worked hard to avoid passing on increases to the mill rate to residents of the village.
In the Mayor’s Message, Sisley said, “The Education and Seniors Foundation Tax rates show a small increase from last year, which council has no control over. Council has done its very best to keep property tax rates down. The other major item that affects your property tax is your property assessment.”
CAO Tracey Breese said the last time residents saw a change to the residential tax rate was in 2016 when it decreased over the previous year.
Part of the reason Delia has maintained their tax rate for such an impressive extended period is due in part to the “little things” they are cutting back on.
“One of the village’s term loans was paid off, which reduces operating expenses,” Breese said. She added that changing the minimum tax rate and doing away with multiple tax rates brought additional revenue for the village.
According to budget projections for 2021, however, residents may see the four-year hold on taxes end.
“Policing costs are a newly added expense by the province,” Breese said.
Previously, rural municipalities did not pay for policing costs. Recent changes to provide additional officers in rural municipalities has changed that.
An additional annual cost of approximately $12,000 is expected to be added to Delia’s budget by 2023.

To help support citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Drumheller is committed to providing increased flexibility to aid ratepayers with the 2020 Property Tax payment.
    Both residential and commercial taxpayers who normally pay their property taxes in a lump sum on or before the due date of August 31, are now able to take an additional ninety (90) days to pay their taxes without penalty. 2020 Property taxes are now due on November 30, 2020.
    “Due to the economic uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the thought that some of our residents are just starting back to work,” said CAO Darryl Drohomerski. “Council approved tax deferrals until November 30, without penalty. This decision was made in an effort of assisting residents with possible financial burden. However, customers can still pay their taxes prior to August 31 if they wish, and we encourage residents to do so if they are able.”
    For those customers on the monthly payment plan, there is no change for due dates.
    There is no requirement to contact the town to indicate your wish to pay your 2020 Property Taxes later than August 31. For further details about the deferral, please call 403-823-1314 or email utilities@drumheller.ca