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Inuvik taxes to go up
by Ian Elliot
INUVIK (Jan 23/98) - When the town's draft budget is released in the next week or two, you can expect taxes to go up.
Due in large part to overruns and other costs associated with Inuvik's new arena, in combination with the other factors affecting the town, Mayor George Roach says a rise in taxes is almost certain this year.
"We will keep it to the minimum and we're still going through the budget to see if there's anywhere we can trim, but it's been a number of years since taxes in the town have gone up, and I think people are expecting it," he said last week.
The town is faced with a declining number of residents, a grim economic climate and the ongoing costs of the arena, which spiralled over budget during construction.
It also faces further costs to correct deficiencies like an aging ice plant, the lack of kitchen vents and an expensive heating system.
Roach would not attribute the possible tax hike to the arena costs, though.
"I wouldn't want to set out to crucify any former councils for their decisions," he said.
"They were all doing what they thought was right for the town." |