Not everyone, but most property owners in the Village of Hussar have seen a reduction in their property taxes this year, according to Mayor Les Schultz.
The Mill Rate for the Property Tax Bylaw, that was passed by Council, has dropped by almost a full point from last year’s 12.45%.
The total Mill Rate for this year is 12.384% and the total value of all properties in Hussar are assessed at $17.8 million, with an expected municipal revenue of approx $185,000. Requisitions of 2.417% to the Education Foundation and 0.104% to the Seniors Foundation must be paid out, totaling over $40,000. The residential base Mill Rate is 9.863% which is down 0.099% from last year’s 9.935%. This is the money the Village puts towards their planned budget. This was possible due to a rise in assessments.
Hussar’s 2024 Operating Budget of approximately $185,000 is based on the revenue from Property Taxes to be collected, and will be mostly used to pay for the RCMP and Fire Associations services, and for the salaries, wages and benefits for Council members, Administrators and Public Works employees.
With little Capital Reserves left after the Village completed major infrastructure improvements, and is currently planning ways to fix the issues with the sewer lines throughout, they are doing so while trying to save the ratepayers money. The Mail received information from the Village of Hussar’s Mayor Les Schultz about these plans.
“We did a major project last summer/fall on water and sewer for a block of 1st Ave that cost around $800,000 and used up most of our Capital reserves. We are currently seeking and learning about alternative ways of addressing the water sewer pipelines that don’t involve digging up the streets, by putting liners in the pipes instead which reduces the cost immensely, probably 25% of what is currently being spent to dig everything up. It doesn’t work on all lines but most lines,” explains Mayor Schultz.
Taxes are already due by the end of June, and penalties will be imposed on unpaid taxes immediately after the 30th. According to Hussar’s Tax Penalties and Installment Bylaw 542-22. Section 3.2 of the Bylaw states “current taxes not paid by 30th day of June in any year will have a penalty of 12% imposed on them on the first day of July in that year.”
For so many families already struggling, tax time can be an increasing stress. The Village has a Tax Installment Payment Program (TIPP) available for eligible residents to pay their taxes, in equal monthly installments, through an agreement set with terms and conditions by the Village. More information can be found in Section 4 of Bylaw 542-22 and applications for TIPP should be accessible on their website villageofhussar.ca or by calling their office at 403-787-3766.

    The Three Angels Poker Run is roaring into its fourth year and has selected the DVSS Lunch Program as its beneficiary for this year’s ride.
    The poker run is held annually in memory of three young people who passed away in 2021 and has been a way to help the community heal from this loss. In its first three years, the ride has raised about $30,000 to support the community in various ways.
    This year’s run is coming up on  Saturday, July 20. The run welcomes everyone, whether you are on a motorcycle or in a car. In fact, last year a shuttle bus was available for those who wanted to take part in the cruise without having to be at the helm.
    This year, the DVSS Lunch Program will benefit from the ride.
    Teacher Shannon Palomaki explains while the program, at its heart, supplies young people at the school with lunches or snacks when they need them for them to focus on their studies, it also goes well beyond that.
    She says the funds can be used however they are needed to meet the student’s needs. At times, they have bought winter clothing and even glasses. The funds are also used to help support students so they can participate in field trips.
    “This is a way for our school community to look out for each other,” said Palomaki. “It’s part of our school culture.”
    She adds this is the first time the Three Angels Poker run has supported the Lunch Program and they are honoured to benefit from it. The bulk of the funds is typically raised through recycling cans at the school. They have also received donations from community groups and class reunions.
    The Three Angels Poker Run is on Saturday, July 20, and the ride starts at Yavis, and tours throughout the local area, taking in some great sights of the Badlands, and prairies, and wraps up at the Last Chance Saloon.