The Red Deer Chamber of Commerce is asking City Council to try their hardest to construct a budget with no increases to taxes.

A proposed increase of 2 and a half percent is currently on the table, and the Chamber is hoping Council will be able to make that number smaller, or completely remove it alltogether.

Rick More Interim CEO of the Chamber says right now it's a delicate time for the City's economy and businesses.

"2017 is a crucial year that we start off strong, and try to build quickly. We have to show some signs of recovery, or we'll just be playing catchup. And I think the City's taxation rates are just a piece of the puzzle that needs attention."

As mentioned, Red Deer would see a 2 and a half percent tax increase, and with businesses currently paying a little over twice as much in property taxes than home owners, More says Red Deer businesses can't afford to see an increase.

"We've had a lot of our members come forward and give us the reality of what's going on in the business world. And again this is just part of the puzzle, inflation rates and possible job loss are there. I mean there's a lot of businesses now close to the snorkle line you might say, and you have two choices. You lose money or expand prices.

More says they fear that if taxes do increase, the costs to businesses will lead to some closing their door, less consumer spending, and possibly even further layoffs.

While he says he does understand the need for a tax increase if it means affording nessecary services, he and the chamber are hoping Council will be able to find more expendible budget items to cut.