Council completed detailed reviews of the proposed 2018 budget at their public meetings of November 29 and 30. Council made numerous changes before endorsing the 2018-2022 City Budget. Council cut the originally proposed tax increase of 7.47% down to 5.04%.
The property tax increase includes tax funding for 7 RCMP officers (6 new officers) at a projected cost of $1.2 million and the continuance of the 1.9% increase for Infrastructure repair. In 2018 the City takes over responsibility of several sub-regional parks that will result in a taxation shift from the RDNO to the City. While the 5.04% includes the new cost of operating sub-regional parks, City taxpayers will see a decrease in the RDNO requisition equivalent to approximately 1% for a net combined property tax increase of 3.98%.
Major capital projects approved for 2018 include reconstruction of portions of 30th Street and 35th Avenue and 32nd Avenue, airport improvements, building infrastructure projects, storm and sanitary rehabilitation and numerous road maintenance projects.
Council also committed to spending $1.9 million from reserves on two items: a new ladder truck for Fire Services in the amount of $1,400,000 and improvements to the Camp Hurlburt park property in the amount of $500,000.
Public access to Okanagan Lake will be improved through the development of four (4) lake access points and the development of a new lakeshore park.
Council’s clear focus was on public safety while city infrastructure; including roads, public buildings and parks, is adequately maintained.