Coldstream taxes on the increase

Published: April 02, 2009 6:00 PM Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star

Politicians are planning to increase the tax rate in Coldstream. The 2009 tax rate is now expected to be around the five per cent mark. That’s double the amount (2.5 per cent) that was previously set by the former council. “We’re not out to grab more tax dollars,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. When looking at the bigger tax picture, residents are actually facing a 2.5 per cent increase, said Garlick. “The decrease on the North Okanagan Regional District side and increase on the Coldstream side are equal.” Residents will actually be paying 2.5 per cent less taxes to NORD in 2009, therefore Coldstream is taking the opportunity to eat up that percentage in its own budget. “The average hit to the average taxpayers home will be about $20 net,” said Michael Stamhuis, chief administrative officer, of the tax increase. The NORD tax decrease is due to a drop in requisition to Coldstream by $94,000 (which works out to approximately 2.5 per cent) from the economic development function.

“We don’t think we want to put it all back into (economic development) alone,” said Garlick. “We just want to re-allocate those other dollars.” The funds are being put towards anticipated legal costs for water devolution with Vernon, snow and ice removal and Coldstream Creek improvements. “They do feel that they need the money because we’ve got lots of revenue hits this year,” adds Stamhuis, pointing to fewer incoming fees, plus a government-forced rule coming into effect in 2009 that ensures municipalities save for infrastructure repairs. Garlick adds that in terms of how taxpayer’s dollars are spent, Coldstream is one of the lowest per capita. “In the entire province we’re second from the bottom, below Sooke,” said Garlick, who also says council plans on looking at the budget for next year throughout the next 12 months to provide the best service possible with limited tax dollars. The 2009 budget also includes a sewer rate change for taxpayers connected to sewer services. Instead of the $142 quarterly fee, sewer costs will better represent usage. Residents will face an $83.50 base charge, plus approximately $1.30/cubic metre. For residents like Coun. Gyula Kiss, that means a lower sewer bill. “Anybody who has a fewer number of people in their homes, up to three, will be paying the same or less,” said Kiss. Even with this change, Kiss still feels sewer bills are too steep in Coldstream.“I still think that we’re paying too much for sewer.” The 33 cent/cubic metre rate for multi-family units, such as Coldstream Meadows, will also be brought up to par with other users. “All we wanted is to have fairness,” said Kiss. A sewer rates bylaw is expected to come forward in the future, after the budget amendment bylaw at the April 14 council meeting.