Wayne Moore Jan 21, 2009
Vernon taxpayers could see something they haven't seen in about 10 years - a zero percent tax increase. Following Wednesday's budget meeting, Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, says a zero per cent increase is within reach. "I can see where we can still come in at zero and still look after everything. It's looking good. Vernon is in good shape that way," says Lippert. "It will be Council's decision about what's in and what's out, but we do have a good opportunity to get under the 2.5% for sure." Lippert says his concern is that services are being delivered to the satisfaction of the citizens while at the same time, infrastructure is being looked after. "Before, when Vernon did have a reputation for having zero budgets, at the same time, we weren't always keeping up with infrastructure, so when we did have to do it the costs were quite significant."
Vernon Council began the budget process looking at a 2.5% tax increase. Following Wednesday's session, that increase is significantly lower according to Lippert. He says $1 million earmarked for property for future firehall locations has been eliminated along with a request for 10 new firefighters and dispatchers. Lippert says those will be looked at under a Fire Services Strategic Plan, due later this year. Still to be determined is the possible addition of four new RCMP officers and five support staff, renovations to bring Council Chambers up to provincial building code, roads and sewers, among other projects. Lippert expects Vernon Council to complete budget deliberations when it gets together again Thursday morning.
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