Recently, as part of a financial due diligence exercise, City of Chestermere staff conducted a review of tax rates for the past few decades.

During this recent review, it was discovered that the 2019 rate had been miscalculated, resulting in the need to refund approximately $35 on average to each account. This will be applied as a credit which will appear on a statement to be sent to property owners.

As the review was conducted well in advance of the City’s annual spring audit, the City is taking steps to refund the amounts prior to the conclusion of the audit and has informed its auditors, KPMG, who support the decision.

As part of enhanced practices, the City is adding new checks and balances to the budget and tax bylaw preparation process including the creation of a property tax continuity report, and a new process for re-opening previously approved budgets. 

The City welcomes discussions with residents about any topic and makes every effort to examine all concerns and questions brought forward. The review of tax notices was initiated after a resident brought forward a question about their taxes, which the City and Council committed to reviewing.