Budget talks continue

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 05, 2009 6:00 PM

Budget discussions continue to roll along at Vernon city hall, but a final tax figure still isn’t known. Council deliberated over the proposed 2009 budget Wednesday for almost three hours Wednesday, but no progress was made in paring back a potential 2.61 per cent residential tax increase (not including fire protection). However, Mayor Wayne Lippert insists that residents shouldn’t expect the current number to be written in stone. “We will look at options to reduce the 2.61 per cent,” he said. Primarily, reserves and surplus funds from some divisions will be looked at to cover some of the items in the budget. “There’s a way with the surpluses to reduce that number. The goal is to reduce the cost to the taxpayer,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. However, at least one politician suggests taxes should possibly go higher to cover necessary infrastructure improvements. “I’d like to see it close to three per cent, but it all depends on fire protection. It could be five per cent,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. Further discussions about the fire protection portion of the budget will be held Monday. A 2.61 per cent increase would translate into an additional $22.41 in taxes for the average home (not including fire services).