Enderby holds off on increase

Published: March 19, 2009 6:00 PM By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star

Citing the current economic downturn, Enderby council is unanimously together on no tax increase for local residents in 2009. After a public hearing on the budget drew little interest from citizens, council agreed to look at a 2009 budget with no tax hike. “It’s not finalized, but it will be,” said Mayor Dee Wejr. “I don’t see any changes other than ones already discussed.” There will be a slight increase in water and sewer, though council agreed to a hike that will not exceed two per cent. On an average assessment of an Enderby home, $201,000, those with a minimum 50-foot frontage can expect a hike of $12.23 for the year on their water and sewer bills, and those homes with a maximum 50-foot frontage will see their bill increase by $17.23. The rise is to help offset increases in the city’s refuse, recycling and disposal fees, all which went up approximately 11 per cent, or $13. “We are trying to hold the line partly because of the fact the economic situation is what it is,” said Wejr. “It’s a matter of not making life any harder on anyone than it already is.” One of the main projects in the budget for 2009 is the continuation of an upgrade to Cliffview and Stanley Streets that began in 2008. The area is a fairly well-used walking route but there are no sidewalks on it at this point. A roundabout was built at the intersection of Cliffview and Johnson, and the improvement for this year calls for an upgrade to Cliffview, which turns into Stanley, all the way down to Highway 97. The budget could receive a few minor tweaks before first three readings are heard on May 4, though council is adamant there will be no tax increase, and water and sewer will not increase by more than two per cent.Adoption of the 2009 Enderby budget is slated for May 11.