The average Athabasca homeowner will see around a $120 increase to their property tax bill, due to a 12.4-per-cent increase in education tax, and an average 3.39-per-cent raise in assessment values.
If assessed values had stayed the same for the average home in Athabasca ówhich town officials say is worth approximately $250,000 ó the increase would only amount to approximately $36.
However, due to an increase in assessed property values, the increase will hit ratepayers a little more in the pocket book.
Overall, the average homeowner will see a 4.89-per-cent increase to their property taxes.
Athabasca town council decided to keep the municipal mill rate the same as last year, due to the increase in assessment and education tax.
The change in the education tax levy is the result of a jump in the Alberta Education requisition from $893,405.18 in 2012 to $1,004,680.80 this year.
The Greater North Foundation requisition has fallen from $109,690.99 in 2012 to $92,027.03 in 2013.
Commercial properties will see almost the identical increase to their tax bills as residential properties will this year.
The combined mill rate for residential properties in Athabasca for 2013 is 10.3603, up from 10.2197 in 2012.
The commercial mill rate is 20.227, up from 19.9861 in 2012.
The taxation bylaw received first and second reading at last Tuesdayís town council meeting.
Third reading is scheduled for the next council meeting on April 16.
