Proposed provincial changes to reduce the taxes oil and gas companies pay in royalties to rural municipalities could force rural residents to pick up the difference.

Foothills County Division Two Councillor Delilah Miller, says the changes could cost local taxpayers millions.

"For some municipalities it's a huge hit. For Foothills County we estimate it to be around $2 million, as high as $2 million, depending on which scenario they (province) goes with."

Miller, says if it has to be done, she'd like to see some concessions.

"Make sure that they're Alberta companies. Make sure they're Canadian companies. And make sure that you're following up on the jobs that they're actually creating. So, to give them a tax break is one thing. But to not to follow up on the jobs that are supposed to go along with this for hard working Albertan's is another."

The bottom line to the proposed legislation is businesses pay less, while taxpayers pay more.

 

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