Between rising wheat costs, $1.26 per litre gas and the looming carbon tax, the average consumer is likely feeling the strain on their bank account. So when you add into the mix municipal taxes, knowing your assessment has skyrocketed (the taxable value of the entire 2008 B.C. Assessment Roll increased over 16 per cent from 2007), you might start to wonder if the food bank would accept your application. Unfortunately, since you actually own a house in this exorbitant market, it’s not likely. But if you live in the City of Vernon, luckily the politicians are doing everything they can to keep taxes to a minimum. It’s now down to a 2.25 per cent hike from the original 6.9 per cent. In Coldstream, politicians there are finally taking note of Vernon’s tax-axing habits. Originally Coldstream residents were facing one of the highest tax increases around at 9.17 per cent. A good chunk of that (four per cent) is to pay for the two shiny new firehalls currently being built. Thanks to staff and council efforts, that number is likely to be slashed to somewhere around six per cent after a special budget meeting Monday. Some extra funds from 2007 are enabling the cut. There is also an opportunity for Coldstream taxes to drop thanks to $162,368 from the North Okanagan Regional District, but no discussions have been had on that yet. The district also shut down its Community Policing Office, so there’s another $120,000 in savings each year – but it’s likely those funds will remain with the service to pay out severances and office costs. Nevertheless, it’s great to see Coldstream is trying to do everything they can to help out residents, especially now, when taxpayers are crying for relief.
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