No tax levy planned

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Lethbridge County’s new taxes on intensive livestock operations and farmland has rumours circulating in other counties across the province.
Lethbridge County’s new tax plan calls for a $3 per head levy on cattle, chickens, hogs, goats and sheep being raised in the county, a special tax on farmland and a levy on gravel used to maintain the roads. The new taxes will help pay for road and bridge maintenance.
Wheatland County council has formally stated that they are not looking at implementing a head tax aimed at county animal producers.
“Although another county in Alberta has gone the route of a per-animal tax for feedlot operators, this is not something we are considering for Wheatland County,” noted Reeve Glenn Koester. “We just want to be sure Wheatland County producers are informed and understand that there is no head tax in the works for Wheatland County.”
Municipalities are allowed to pass bylaws and establish business taxes under section 371 and 372 of the Municipal Government Act, but Lethbridge County’s allegation that provincial cutbacks have led to their drastic decision to tax intensive livestock operations isn’t supported by the province.
“Our government has also maintained strong support for municipalities and, in fact, Alberta remains the highest funder of municipalities across all provinces in the country,” said Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier. “Municipal business taxes are a decision of local councils, and Municipal Affairs does not have the authority to instruct Lethbridge County to withdraw this tax change.”
Five owners of large feedlot operations in southern Alberta have filed a court challenge to the new Lethbridge County business tax plans. Alberta Beef Producers and the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association voiced objections at public meetings held before county council approved the new taxes.
Minister Oneil said he is listening to the concerns of the cattle producers and recognizes the current stress the agriculture industry is facing with the downturn in economy, increased work and safety legislation and decreased trade negotiations.
“We recognize the important contributions Alberta’s cattle feeders make to our province,” he said. “In June of last year 1,400 lb fat calves sold for about $2,800 – this year they are selling for about $1,800. Taxation structures for intensive agriculture operations are being reviewed as part of our work to modernize the Municipal Government Act, and we have met with the Cattle Feeders’ Association to hear what they have to say on this important issue.
“We will continue to work closely with cattle feeders and municipalities across the province to help ensure this essential industry remains as competitive as possible during this challenging time of falling cattle prices.”
The Alberta Beef Producers are holding their fall producer meetings and elections in November and a local meeting is scheduled to take place at the Strathmore Golf Course on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.