Taxpayers group questions municipal taxes

The Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers Association (CPTA) hosted a public meeting on September 19 at the Hillcrest Miners Club, where dozens of concerned residents gathered to discuss rising taxes, increasing municipal debt, and the lack of transparency in local government spending. 

The meeting, led by CPTA president Carmen Roman, focused on educating taxpayers and advocating for a more responsible municipal budget. Roman opened the meeting by thanking the audience for attending and outlining the association’s mission. 

“The purpose of the taxpayers association is to inform and educate so that you’re well aware of what your taxes are all about,” Roman said, “We are a citizen advocacy group with a vision for positive growth and change; change that promotes lower taxes and greater government accountability.”

Roman stressed that the CPTA is nonpartisan and exists solely to advocate for the rights of taxpayers, pushing for responsible government spending and transparency. 

“Many of you are here tonight because you have concerns about the decisions being made by the local government and how your tax dollars are being spent. We share those concerns, particularly regarding high taxes, excessive spending, and a lack of transparency in the municipal budget,” she said.

The meeting’s main event was a presentation by CPTA board member Miranda Bogaard, who delivered a detailed analysis of the municipal budget and tax trends. Bogaard, responsible for creating infographics to help local taxpayers understand the budget, walked the audience through several key issues the association has recognized.

“Over the past five years, property taxes in Crowsnest Pass have risen by $4.37 million, which is an average of nearly $900,000 more collected in taxes per year,” Bogaard explained, “Meanwhile, the municipality’s debt has more than doubled, increasing from $6.68 million in 2019 to a projected $13.86 million by the end of this year. If we reach that projected debt, we will be paying $1 million annually just in interest alone.”

Bogaard’s presentation revealed the steep rise in taxes alongside climbing debt, highlighting that the increased revenue has not been used to pay down this debt but rather to fund various projects. 

“Our municipal government is spending large amounts of money on projects that are not bringing in revenue to pay off the loans,” Bogaard said. 

She cited several large-scale municipal projects, including the Bellevue Main Street revitalization project, which is currently expected to cost $4 million, and the Gazebo Park beautification, budgeted at $350,000 this year with another $1 million proposed for 2025.

A significant concern raised during the presentation was the increase in property assessments and mill rates, which compound to raise taxes year after year. Bogaard expressed concern that if this trend continues, it could price out many local residents, particularly those on fixed or lower incomes.

Bogaard also touched on the lack of transparency in how tax dollars are being used, noting that the CPTA had struggled to access clear, detailed budget information from the municipality. She added that the CPTA’s aim is to empower citizens with knowledge so they can hold their elected officials accountable.

“I worry that we’re creating an area, not that people are meant to live in, but rather one that only the rich can afford to visit,” said Bogaard.

Following Bogaard’s presentation, several audience members asked questions and expressed frustration about the municipality’s spending priorities. Concerns were raised about fleet replacements, the rising costs of municipal staff salaries, and the deficits run by community services such as the Crowsnest Pass pool and the Pass Powderkeg ski hill, both of which operate at a loss each year.

Bogaard shared that in 2023, the municipality collected additional taxes beyond what was budgeted, creating a surplus. However, rather than returning this money to taxpayers or using it to pay down debt, the council opted to allocate the funds to new projects, including road repairs, environmental monitoring and grants for local initiatives. 

“I worry that we are taking on debt without a long-term plan to pay it down, and we’re relying too heavily on tax increases to balance the books,” Bogaard said.

Several attendees voiced concerns about the cost of these projects and the potential for further tax increases. One resident asked if there was a way to present these concerns to the provincial government. Roman explained that while the CPTA can raise concerns with Municipal Affairs, Alberta’s provincial government rarely intervenes in local municipal matters. 

“Our best option is to continue pushing for transparency at the local level and to be engaged in the budget process,” Roman said.

Roman also encouraged residents to attend the upcoming 2025 municipal budget deliberations on October 10 at the municipal office. 

“It’s important for council to see that taxpayers are engaged and concerned about how their money is being spent,” Roman said. 

She urged residents to drop in throughout the day to show support for greater transparen-cy and fiscal responsibility.

In her closing remarks, Roman reiterated the importance of taxpayer involvement. 

“This is your money, and you have the right to know where it’s going and how it’s being spent,” she said, encouraging everyone to stay informed and to take action. Roman added that the CPTA plans to host monthly meetings leading up to the next municipal election to continue raising awareness and pushing for change.

Residents were encouraged to visit the CPTA website for more information and to stay up to date on future meetings.