Non-resident businesses operating in St. Albert will now pay a hefty fee to do so.
Originally approved by committee of the whole during budget deliberations, city council unanimously approved all three readings of a bylaw amendment to hike non-residential business licence fees from $425 to $600 for any issued before Sept. 1, and from $250 to $350 for those approved after Sept. 1.
“It does convey a strong message that we do want businesses that don’t pay taxes to at least pay something for doing business in the community,” Coun. Malcolm Parker said.
St. Albert eliminated its business tax in 2000, opting instead to issue annual business licences. The city often has difficulty tracking businesses that are based in other communities, such as Edmonton, but operate in St. Albert.
The increase is expected to create an estimated $80,000 in revenue annually. That new money has already been entered into the budget now before committee of the whole.
Crouse asked administration to report back on the progress of the changes within “a few months.”
