Organizers Say Assessment Issue Earthquake Set To Hit SAMA

By Robert Thomas

Calling it a potential epic battle the people trying to change the way smaller square foot businesses - under 2,800 square feet - as well as larger ones are assessed for property taxes are heading back to City Hall.

The issue of what the group Property Assessment Watchdogs has called unfair and full of inequities has been a hot topic at both a previous Council meeting and outdoor rally.

The group wants there to be one Cap Rate for all commercial properties as in the past instead of multiple Cap Rates which has seen wild fluctuations with some business properties seeing massive increases and others major decreases.

In a video released to the media Thursday evening Bernie Dombowsky from Property Assessment Watchdogs is asking people to attend a free information session this Sunday at the Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre - 235 Third Avenue NE - from 1 pm to 4 pm.

In the video Dombowsky stressed the meeting is “not a protest” but a show of support for the group as well as Council.

“I want to be perfectly clear. This is not a protest we are standing in support of our Mayor and City Council and the businesses of our community.” he said.

The video also states Dombowsky will be addressing Council on Monday January 9th at 4 pm and asks residents to attend Council.

“Amendments can be made to the 2023 tax rolls. The City Administration must force SAMA to correct these inequities,” Dombowsky said.

He said it could well shape up to be an epic battle between the City of Moose Jaw and SAMA (Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency).

SAMA is the private contractor that provides the City with property tax assessment services used to calculate property tax bills.

The full video is below.

Editor's Note: MJ Independent does not take sides on issues but we have posted the video in its entirety as this is a major issue affecting many.

We feel by posting it it helps inform our readers and help stimulate respectful debate and discussion which is in the interest of all parties and citizens of Moose Jaw.