Iqaluit (Feb 14/05) - Iqaluit council says it is ready to work with homeowners.

After a presentation made by the newly-formed Namminiq Angirraliit Iqalunni Association (NAIA), council agreed to appoint a representative to communicate with the homeowners association.

Faced with a potential operating deficit of $485,050, the city's most recent budget significantly raised taxes paid by homeowners.

Owners of a home valued at $200,000 will be paying $6,628 in taxes during 2005, $450 than in 2004. Two-thirds of the increase is part of a capital projects funding arrangement signed with the government of Nunavut in 2001.

NAIA members Susan Gardener and Joe Tigullaraqtold council the group wants to see the rights of homeowners protected.

Tigullaraq said they would like to know more about the mill rate used to determine property taxes.

"Not too many homeowners understand this concept," he said, switching between Inuktitut and English during his speech.

Gardener said portions of media reports about the group's intentions "were not quite accurate."

Aside from taxes, the group is interested in issues such as planning and development, green space, infrastructure, recycling, policing and crime, as well as transportation, according to a one-page outline handed to the council.

On Feb. 1, NAIA became a legal association with 94 members. Any homeowner can join the group.

"With an attendance like that, you know that there is a strong interest in this venture," Gardener said.

One councillor offered an explanation concerning the recent property tax increase.

"We had no choice but to raise taxes because of what happened in the past," said Coun. Stu Kennedy, referring to previous financial mismanagement by the city.