School boards carefully weighing tax options

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/02/2024 (579 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon, Prairie Rose and Beautiful Plain school divisions are carefully weighing their options following the Manitoba government’s recent announcement restoring school boards’ ability to raise local property taxes.

The divisions’ considerations include the financial strain of tax hikes on residents, aging infrastructure, and the delicate balance between quality education and community affordability.

Brandon School Division trustee Kirk Carr (Ward 1) said it is important to consider the financial situation of Brandon’s residents before a decision is made, noting the challenges faced by families with rising costs and arguing for a balanced approach.

“I’d much rather see a slight tax hike than a cut in services. We need to value the education we provide and respect the financial strain on citizens,” Carr told the Sun.

If contemplating tax increases, he said, it is imperative to factor in the financial circumstances of Brandon residents.

“Our aim, if opting for tax increases, is to avoid imposing burdens comparable to the city’s (9.4 per cent) hike,” he said. “Striking a balance and acknowledging the specific needs and constraints of our citizens is paramount in this decision-making process.”

Trustee Duncan Ross (Ward 1) acknowledged the delicate balance between rising costs for residents and ensuring quality education.

“I don’t want us to raise taxes indiscriminately, but we need to make sure our kids get the education they deserve,” Ross told the Sun. “While a significant tax increase is not on my agenda, a small increase might be necessary to bridge the budget gap.”

Ross emphasized the challenges faced in previous years, where budget cuts were necessary, and said the division is still working to recover from those reductions. He expressed reluctance to see further cuts, stressing the importance of maintaining resources for children.

BSD board chair Linda Ross said she won’t comment on potential tax increases until the board completes its discussions at next Thursday’s budget meeting.

Last year, the BSD had to cut 10.69 full-time equivalent positions to make up for a $1.2-million budget shortfall.

Earlier this month, the province announced BSD is set to receive an 8.5 per cent funding increase in 2024 — 10 per cent if you include new nutrition funding.

Beautiful Plain School Division secretary-treasurer Shannon Bayes said the board’s focus is on maintaining a balance between taxation, maintaining quality education and managing increasing student enrolment.

“Our board is currently in the process of carefully considering the budget, including the possibility of implementing some tax increases,” Bayes told the Sun. “While we haven’t finalized the details, we’re actively working through them, and I anticipate that this information will be available by the end of February.”

The division, she said, has consistently allocated funds to ensure the delivery of services and education to students.

Considering past restrictions on tax increases, Bayes highlighted the challenge of funding lagging behind the rapid growth in enrolment, making it difficult to keep up with the increasing needs of the division.

“We’re grateful for the increase in funding because that growth keeps coming in our division,” Bayes said.

Prairie Rose School Division board chair Ashley Lachance said no decisions have been made as the division is still in the midst of its budget process, which is expected to be concluded by March 11.

“Deciding on either tax hike or service cuts is a complex inquiry that necessitates a thorough examination of various factors,” Lachance said. “As a board, we need to delve into a wealth of information before reaching any conclusions. The decision-making process itself is crucial to adequately address these questions.”

On Feb. 1, Education Minister Nello Altomare announced that school boards in the province would again have the option of raising local education taxes — a power that they lost under the former Progressive Conservative government.

“School divisions right now will be able to go to their local ratepayers and talk to them about their local levy,” Altomare said. “We trust school divisions to make their choices that will impact positively their community … They also know that they have a real partner in the province now that’s going to provide the funding that they need so that when they do go to their ratepayers, they’re judicious in what they’re asking for.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola