Halifax finance officials want to hold the line on property taxes

Halifax finance officials want to hold the line on property taxes innext year's budget.

"We intend to adjust the rates such that individuals on average will get the same final tax bill," said BruceFisher, the municipality's manager of financial policy and planning.

He says the city wants the average bill to stay about $1,830, but notes some property owners will pay more if they've done renovations or the provincial assessment cap has been lifted on their home.

Thetax strategy was recommended to municipal council Tuesdaybecause finance officials are concerned about a "softening" of the economyand a lacklustre real estate market.

But the city's new chief financial officer admits it will create fiscal challenges.

"We are looking at a planning gap right now of $18.7 million," said Amanda Whitewood.

That figure includes inflation and increased costs from the settlement of a number of union negotiations.

Cost cutting

Asin previous years, Whitewood sayssavings will be found across the system to cover the shortfall and balance the books.But a number of councillors are worried about cost-cutting scenarios.

"In my opinion, municipal operations are falling behind." said Halifax WestArmdaleCoun. Linda Mosher.

"Last year, the acting director of public works told me we ran out money and we couldn't do the potholes ... if we have significant snow, where's that money going to come from?"

Regional council did approve the preliminary tax strategy, but the councillor for Lower Sackville gave city staff a warning.

"Although I'm supportive of the initial premise, I don't want anyone to think that this is cast in stone," said Steve Craig. "If we have to go for more money to do these things, let's have that discussion."

A council session on city priorities is scheduled for Nov. 10. Debate on next year's budget gets under way in December, with a look at capital spending.

Pam Berman was at Tuesday's meeting and live bloggedthe proceedings.