August ?, 2020 MLA Pat Rehn Lesser Slave Lake Constituency 6th Floor 9820 - 107 Street Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7 [email protected] Via email: (INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS) Dear Mr. Rehn, Re: Impacts of Property Assessment Model Changes After hearing about the proposed changes to property assessment for oil and gas companies, specifically wells and pipelines I wanted to voice my concerns around the changes. This decision will have a large negative impact on myself and all other property owners throughout the County who will have to pay higher property taxes and potentially receive fewer services in return. As I understand it, Big Lakes County would have to raise residential and farmland property tax rates by up to 217% and/or cut costs by $5.6 million if these amendments are approved. This is a sudden and drastic change in the way assessment is done and will undoubtedly harm many of your constituents. While the oil and gas sector is struggling, shifting the burden onto residential property and small business owners does not seem to be an equitable solution to the problem. Many of us are already dealing with financial issues as a result of the slumping economy and cannot afford higher taxes. As rural ratepayers we rely on municipal services provided by the County, including fire and emergency service, water and wastewater, recreation, agricultural services, and the many cultural and societal benefits the County provides. These services will all suffer if these assessment breaks are provided to the largest oil and gas companies. For these reasons I am requesting that you as my elected representative vote against this change and support an extended consultation period to identify other possible solutions. We rely on you to listen to our concerns and respond accordingly through urging your government colleagues to reject this change because of the effect it will have on the people who voted for you. Sincerely, INSERT NAME .