2023-12-13 22:33:39
Adopted Tuesday evening, the 2024 budget of the City of Sherbrooke, in Estrie, may contain dozens of pages, but what is most talked about is the new swimming pool tax, an eco-fiscal measure justified according to some, ridiculous according to others. others.
Regardless of the size, above-ground or in-ground, each swimming pool in Sherbrooke will be taxed $80 per year starting in 2024. “It’s ridiculous,” commented a citizen. People have the right to have swimming pools. It’s still $80.” “It’s a good idea because swimming pools use water and energy, and it will allow the City to raise money.” believes for her part a Sherbrookoise.
The measure is not unanimous among the population or in the municipal council.
The increase in the tax bill for an average single-family residence in Sherbrooke will be 3.13%, which is equivalent to $95. According to preliminary data provided by the City, approximately one house in three is equipped with a swimming pool. For these owners, the average increase in the tax bill will be more like 5.75%. During the presentation of the budget on Tuesday, some elected officials also criticized the lack of control over the City’s spending.
A concern shared by the Sherbrooke Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which also deplores another new tax, this one in the industrial zone, that of $113 per square meter for asphalt, concrete and gravel floors.
“It’s worrying,” said President Sébastien Lussier. We understand that there is an ecological impact from water runoff, but it is still businesses that are targeted with these taxes.”
Furthermore, the president of the executive committee and member of Sherbrooke Citizen, Laure Letarte-Lavoie, has already announced that this tax on impermeable surfaces will eventually apply in commercial zones.
“It’s a change in behavior that we also want to seek from traders, but this year we are starting with industries,” she underlined.
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