The public has a chance to see options on an issue that could well affect local taxes in the City of Belleville tomorrow (Wednesday) and again Thursday.
City council is considering making changes to the way it charges ratepayers for police service, and any change will
see some property owners paying more and others less for policing.
Tomorrow, the first public meeting on police area rating takes place at the Gerry Masterson Community Centre on Harmony Road near Foxboro and runs from 7 until 9.
Thursday, the public is invited to discuss options at a meeting at city hall, also from 7 until 9.
Currently, urban Belleville taxpayers pay 96% of the cost of policing, while rural residents in Thurlow ward pay 4%.
Rural ratepayers, on an individual basis, now pay much less for policing than their urban counterparts.
Options for consideration will be keeping the status quo, eliminating area rating, either immediately or by phasing it out over time, and changing the area rating method to be based on assessment, meaning urban residents would pay 85% of the cost of policing, while rural residents pick up the other 15%.
City staff is recommending the assessment-based option be approved by council.
