The Airdrie City Council discussed a proposed property tax increase of 8.47% for local businesses at its last budget meeting.

Mayor Peter Brown, along with many other locals, is not keen on the idea of this possible tax increase because of the additional financial toll it would have on local businesses.

"I voted against the tax increase at the budget committee, specifically because of the amount of reserves that we're going to be collecting. I was also concerned about some of the cost of living increases."

Brown says that many are already struggling in today's economy and this new increase could be the tipping point for some.

"With this kind of economic climate we are in and what the business community has been suffering through the last number of years, I think an increase of 8.47% is significant. I do know personally a number of businesses that are really going home every night not making any money and that's not what we want to see."

However, as every matter has drawbacks, it also has benefits. Brown understands that the tax increase would bring about some benefits in Airdrie's community such as aiding in the investment of a new fire hall, new library, and the expansion of the transit's bus barn. 

As far as the property tax increase goes for Airdrie's residential sector, homeowners won't see such a drastic increase because there would be a significant drop in price of their water utility and waste management which would offset the cost.

Airdrie City Council will deliberate further during Monday night's council meeting and a final decision to implement or scrap this proposition may be made.

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