989 replies to this topic

[Ismo07]

I just received my strata AGM package. My proposed monthly assessment is up 10% this year or about 3 times the current rate of inflation. 

 

Meanwhile, rent increases are capped at 3.5%. Even worse, the BC Greens are calling for vacancy controls that would cap the allowable rent increase (a max to 3.5%) landlords can charge when one tenancy ends and another begins!   

Socialists really do hate property ownership.

 

So what % of strata fee would be part of rent?  20%?  Just some numbers to see what this looks like if something way off let me know.

 

Current rent $2,200 increases to $2,277 (3.5%).  Strata increases from $440 to $484 (10%)..  Rent increases by $77/mo, strata $44/mo...  $33/mo extra, what's next property tax increase?

[Matt R.]

North salt spring water just sent out parcel tax invoices, $985 for anything under an acre, two years ago it was $748.

[Victoria Watcher]

Langford property owners can expect an 11.79% increase on their taxes — the second year of a double-digit bump, but necessary to finance operations for a growing population, according to the city.

 

The tax increase would see the average homeowner pay about $279 more this year.

 

 

https://www.timescol...by-1179-8286574

[LJ]

In the Phoenix area, your city tax bill comes with two different valuations.

 

One is the full cash value and the other is limited property value.

 

You pay tax on the limited property value, which is limited to a maximum increase of 5% annually.

 

My LPV is about 60% of what the FCV is.

 

This is to protect people from being taxed out of their homes.

[Mike K.]

Do you also have castle laws there?

[LJ]

^Don't know what that is.

[Mike K.]

Permitting you to stand your ground and use reasonable force to protect yourself and your property if someone is intruding onto your property, and/or putting you/your family at-risk.

[LJ]

^No, Arizona is not a Stand Your Ground state, but there is no requirement to retreat before using physical force to prevent certain crimes such as burglary and robvery.

[Victoria Watcher]

Langford property-tax hike rises to 15.6%, with amenity funds no longer offsetting increases

 

Previous councils had used the general amenity fund — money paid by developers and intended for public projects like parks and other improvements — to keep tax rates low for property owners

 

https://www.timescol...creases-8408249

 

 

The initial plan last month proposed an 11.79% increase, but council voted to jack the rate even further after deciding not to use amenity funds to soften tax hikes now and into the future.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 07 March 2024 - 05:45 AM.

[Nparker]

Caveat emptor Langford voters.

[Tony]

If they are voters in Langford they are too late. They have bought or live there already. They have the option to move to perhaps escape continued large increases.

 

Is this a misuse of general amenity fund — money paid by developers and intended for public projects like parks and other improvements ? Was it common knowledge that council had been using the general amenity funds to reduce taxes? Has the fast development process in Langford played a role also in the need for this tax increase?

 

For potential buyers Caveat emptor. 

[Mike K.]

It's ok to post using 14 size text 

 

Using 18 makes it look like you're screaming at us   

[Mike K.]

Was it common knowledge that council had been using the general amenity funds to reduce taxes?

 

Has the fast development process in Langford played a role also in the need for this tax increase?

 

 

Yes, and no, respectively.

 

I mean, it worked for 30 years. Immediately after a new council emerges, it doesn't work? Langford has added more municipal parkland per-capita than all of the other 12 municipalities combined.

[Nparker]

Reducing taxes is the best amenity any government can provide.

[Ismo07]

Yes, and no, respectively.

 

I mean, it worked for 30 years. Immediately after a new council emerges, it doesn't work? Langford has added more municipal parkland per-capita than all of the other 12 municipalities combined.

 

That last comment is always so funny with no context...  Would seem obvious the municipality with so much raw, developable land would both develop more and add more parks with that.  People keep trumpeting this.  They had a goal to grow as fast as they could and they have.  Those parks do not maintain themselves either...

Edited by Ismo07, 07 March 2024 - 08:59 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Saanich property owners face a tax increase of 7.8 per cent this year, which could mean a $297 increase for the average homeowner, if council follows through with recommendations from district staff.

Tuesday night, Saanich staff laid out budget recommendations that include $12.6 million in increased spending this year, including $4.2 million in added spending for Saanich police.

The impact of Saanich’s $188 million operating budget for the average taxpayer would be $373 when the increased fees for water, sewer and refuse collection are added together.

https://www.timescol...ax-hike-8402832

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 07 March 2024 - 11:27 AM.

[Danma]

I'm not happy about the increase here in Langford, but I understand it.

 

As the city grows, it becomes clearer that there's actually a need to use the amenities fund for amenities. As an example, You could handwave the fact that there was missing sidewalks on arterial roads once but with the density of traffic and people it becomes a real problem – as one example.

 

In the end it will end up falling in line with similar tax loads you see in comparable municipalities in the south island. I liked the cheap taxes but I now end up paying by spending every weekend stuck in traffic due to myopic cheapskate road planning... sigh

[Ismo07]

I'm not happy about the increase here in Langford, but I understand it.

 

As the city grows, it becomes clearer that there's actually a need to use the amenities fund for amenities. As an example, You could handwave the fact that there was missing sidewalks on arterial roads once but with the density of traffic and people it becomes a real problem – as one example.

 

In the end it will end up falling in line with similar tax loads you see in comparable municipalities in the south island. I liked the cheap taxes but I now end up paying by spending every weekend stuck in traffic due to myopic cheapskate road planning... sigh

 

Yeah the growth was so fast, some things got left behind...

[Nparker]

... I now end up paying by spending every weekend stuck in traffic due to myopic cheapskate road planning...

Do you believe the current regime plans to make improvements to vehicle infrastructure?

[Mike K.]

That last comment is always so funny with no context... Would seem obvious the municipality with so much raw, developable land would both develop more and add more parks with that. People keep trumpeting this. They had a goal to grow as fast as they could and they have. Those parks do not maintain themselves either...

Saanich is also developing. Where’s the parkland?