TAMRMS#: B06
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Senior Homeowners Property Tax Assistance
Notice given by: Councillor Joly
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
recommendation
That the Senior Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Grant be increased by $50 per grant, to be funded through taxes.
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POSTPONED MOTION ADMINISTRATIVE BACKGROUNDER:
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Administration’s Understanding of Intent Motion:
That the grant be increased from its current amount of $150 per eligible household to $200, for the 2020 budget and taxation year.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:
No operational impacts anticipated.
Financial Implications of Motions:
Currently, the Seniors Grant program is budgeted at $90,000 per annum; (600 recipient households x $150). The motion would require that funding for the grant program be thus increased by $30,000, to a total of $120,000 for the 2020 budget year.
Stakeholder Consultations:
If the motion is approved, the eligible senior homeowners would be notified they have received the grant, and the new amount, via notation (tax credit) on their Property Assessment & Tax Notice, which is mailed at the end of May 2020.
Background:
The Senior Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Grant is a continuation of an existing senior’s property tax grant program that started in 2009. The City assumed the lead role in the administration of the program in 2014. In 2014 thru 2017, the grant was $100 per eligible senior’s household. In 2018, City Council increased the grant amount to $150 per eligible senior’s household.
The City of St. Albert continues to partner with the Government of Alberta, to receive a listing of those senior homeowners within St. Albert who are eligible for the grant. This avoids the need for seniors to fill out application forms, or submit personal information about themselves.
History of total recipients for the grant program is as follows:
2020F: 600
2019: 594
2018: 589
2017: 574
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Report Date: November 21, 2019
Author(s): Greg Dahlen
Committee/Department: Finance & Assessment Department
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble