Iqaluit 2015 budget could mean property tax hikes

City councillors in Iqaluit are hoping to put together a budget by the end of the year, but first they’ll have to make some tough decisions, and even then a significant increase in property taxes is expected in the New Year.

Members of the city's finance committee met on Saturday to begin working through budget options.

The directors of each department were invited to list their most basic budget needs for 2015.

Then it was time for their wish list.

"We call it a car crusher, but it's also a metal crusher,” said Keith Couture, describing what he wants for the Public Works department.

Another head asked for radio equipment. 

Iqaluit’s fire chief, Luc Grandmaison, also spoke up.

"What I'm seeking here is $18,000 to buy a remote-controlled small fire truck with Sparky the fire dog inside, that's able to talk in front of a classroom."

Then it came time to look at the revenues raised by property taxes — and a harsh dose of reality from acting chief administrative officer, John Mabberi-Mudonyi.

"The dump fire did us in, let's be realistic. We can't afford to buy a new garbage truck. We can't afford to buy a new dump truck."

The city says taxes will have to go up to make up for mistakes made in the past.

"Last year we dropped the mill rate,” Mabberi-Mudonyi said. “We didn't have enough tax revenue. But this is what it is."

Councillor Kenny Bell says he thinks this budget is more accurate than past budgets.

"I think that we're just seeing realistic numbers. Plus we have some major problems that are just coming to light, that we know are there, that have just got to the point where we can't band-aid it anymore. We absolutely have to fix it."

Committee members are now taking a few days to mull their options, but a significant increase in property taxes is expected.

The committee will meet again on Tuesday, just before the city council meeting.