Chatham-Kent residents are being encouraged to voice their opinions on how the municipality should streamline and modernize its municipal tax rates.
A survey has been launched on the municipality's website where residents can have their say on the issue including the 14 different area-rating charges that currently exist.
Chatham-Kent council has allocated $100,000 of the Provincial Efficiency Grant for the Tax System Modernization project. According to a release from the municipality, the purpose of the Tax System Modernization project is to implement a new tax system and consolidate the tax rates, creating efficiencies in the administration of property taxes.
"The project is revenue neutral, assuming total tax revenue generated will remain unchanged for the municipality," read the release. "Area rating shifts the tax burden between properties with significant differences in service levels. None of the recommended changes will have an impact on service levels."
The various rates are holdovers from pre-amalgamation, however, municipal officials now feel the format is outdated and does not currently align with how services are delivered.
"In addition to making tax calculations more efficient, streamlining the process will make it more transparent for property owners," the release stated.
The 13-question survey can be found by clicking here and is open until November 8.
