We will likely find out later today (December 2) just how much more we'll be paying in taxes in 2020.

At their regular council meeting, Airdrie City Council will be presented with the Budget Committee's recommendations for both the 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets for their approval.

Council was looking at a 4.84 percent increase in residential taxes to maintain existing service levels.

Speaking of paying, it appears that both animal licensing fees and business licenses in the city will both be on the rise.  Council will be asked today to give three readings to Bylaw No. B-30/2019 to amend the Animal Control Bylaw to increase animal licensing fees as well as Bylaw No. B-32/2019-2020 to amend the Business Licensing Bylaw and increase the 2020 business licensing fees.

It looks as though council is ready to get tough on what they call the "epidemic" of vaping in public places in the city and Mayor Peter Brown is leading the charge.

Today Brown will give notice that a motion will be brought forward to have Airdrie Municipal Enforcement proactively address schools, community amenities and other public places where vaping is done.  

Councillor Tina Petrow has talked, on numerous occasions, about the health risks to individuals that vape and to those around them who, through no fault of their own, are forced to ingest toxins.

Also on today's agenda is a Public Input Session to deal with the sticky issue of the distribution of flyers which contain graphic images.  Immediately following the Input Session, council will be asked to give final readings to Bylaw No. B-30/2019 to amend the Community Standards Bylaw with respect to these flyers and posters.

Council will also be provided with correspondence from Advance Distribution / Here's the Scoop suggesting new wording for distribution of flyers under the proposed bylaw.

The meeting will get started at 3:30 pm in Council Chambers at Airdrie City Hall.  

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