Council targets no tax hike in ‘09

Published: March 10, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Vernon’s taxes could be going even lower. Council had been pushing ahead with a 1.99 per cent residential tax increase, but it could now be close to zero after adjustments were made to the 2009 budget Monday. “It’s closer to what I wanted. I’m not unhappy,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. It was decided to remove salary costs for new staff hirings in 2009 on a quarter-basis (April 1), which will lead to $184,292 in savings. Council will also reduce the balance in the RCMP reserves, apply $300,000 towards the general tax increase and include $350,612 in a fire station reserve. “This would accomplish some of the deficiencies I find in the budget,” said Spiers, who pushed for the changes.

A 1.99 per cent tax increase would have translated into an extra $19.75 for the average assessed home. City staff are determining the new figure based on the budget revisions, but Spiers says it could lead to a 0.2 per cent tax increase for an average home. But the true impact will depend on the assessed value of each property. In the case of Okanagan Landing, residents are anticipated to pay about $80 more for integration of fire taxation. Coun. Patrick Nicol is pleased the budget will not include staff positions that won’t likely be filled until later in the year. “We’re not going to spend money we don’t need to, particularly for people not here,” he said. It had been anticipated that three readings would be given to the 2009 budget bylaw Monday, but the changes have altered the timeline. A special council meeting will now be held Friday at 9 a.m. to give initial readings to the amended bylaw and then a date will be set for public input.