Neat to Know: March 5, 2024

Please enjoy this week's edition of Neat to Know, a roundup of City news, updates, and other important information. You can expect to see the week's most interesting content and even some that may have not been delivered through our regular channels. 

We need your feedback! 

Join us in shaping the future of well-being in Medicine Hat by contributing to the Community Well-Being Plan. Our goal is to collaborate in crafting a plan that mirrors the diverse needs and experiences of our evolving community. Over the years, significant efforts have been made in the realm of social well-being, quality of life, and inclusion within Medicine Hat. However, as our community continues to expand and transform, we are met with new opportunities and challenges that impact well-being.

The upcoming Community Well-Being Plan aims to address these changes by establishing an updated vision and strategic approach to fostering well-being for the next 5-10 years.

Take the online survey

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) grant open 

The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) grant is accepting proposals between now and April 1 at 3 p.m. for projects, services, and preventative social initiatives that enhance the social well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Please note: organizations currently receiving funding from FCSS are eligible to apply.

To learn more, join us for an information session on Monday, March 11 from 12 - 1 p.m. or Thursday, March 21 from 12 - 1 p.m. Contact bonyar@medicinehat.ca to register for a session.

View guidelines  Apply now

Medicine Hat wins nomination for the "March Madness of Urbanism"

Medicine Hat is competing with 15 other North American cities in the 9th Annual Strongest Town Contest. Voting began Monday, March 4.

In this bracket-style voting tournament, Medicine Hat will compete for the “Strongest Town” title by shining a national spotlight on its progress toward safety, financial resiliency, housing and transportation. Medicine Hat, Alberta and Edmonton, Alberta are the only Canadian cities in the contest. Medicine Hat joins Norman, Oklahoma as the only two cities in the contest who have participated in the Strong Towns Community Action Lab.

Cast your vote 

Tax time: assessment vs. taxes

Assessment notices were mailed on February 28 which typically launches the discussion about the difference between property assessment and property taxes.

Property assessment and property taxes are distinct but interconnected aspects of property ownership. Property assessment refers to the valuation of a property. On the other hand, property taxes are levies that property owners must pay to support local services like schools, municipal services, infrastructure, and public safety (police and fire). 

Each year, City Council approves the total amount of money required to support these City services. Other sources of revenue including license fees, user fees and provincial grants, are subtracted from this amount. The remaining balance is the amount the City must collect through property taxes. As the costs of goods and services rise, this amount has increased by 5% in 2024, 4% of which will come from a tax increase on existing properties, and 1% which will come from new assessment growth. The total tax budget is then distributed amongst all property owners throughout the city.

Your property assessment is used to determine your share of the total taxes collected.

It is important to note that assessment increases (or decreases) are not the same as tax increases (or decreases). Either can increase or decrease independent of one another.

Next week, we'll touch on the difference between the terms "tax revenue" and "tax rate."

Understanding your assessment

Tree trimming around power lines continues

Did you know that trees contacting power lines is one of the leading causes of power outages? This March, crews are working in the Crestwood neighbourhood to trim branches and new growth around our electricity infrastructure. Please steer clear of the work zones to keep everyone safe.

Tax estimator

Did you know you can use the value on your property assessment notice to estimate your tax amount using our handy tax estimator tool? 

Disclaimer:
The estimator is currently calculating with 2023 tax rates until the 2024 tax rates are approved by City Council in April/May. This tool is provided for you to estimate the potential tax amount on a given property. This is only an estimate for your planning purposes.

Try the tax estimator tool 

To receive updates directly to your inbox, subscribe to eNotifications for the categories that interest you. Choose from a variety of list serves:

• Calendar events and meeting reminders
• City News - choose this category to receive Neat to Know!
• Service Disruptions and Closures
• Safety Notices
• Public Notices
• Development Notices
• Council Highlights

There is a blue box at the bottom of each page on our website that will allow you to sign up, or go there directly with the button below.

Sign up