Rebecca Aldous - North Shore Outlook February 11, 2010 11:00 AM
West Vancouver’s 2010 budget comes with no tax increase. After months of negotiation, council and staff eradicated the $75 million budget’s original 2.68 per cent increase. To eliminate the tax jump, labour increases will be absorbed by examining staff efficiencies and the district estimates $160,000 can be saved through attrition. The district also reduced its computer replacement program by $142,000. This year, $250,000 worth of railway crossroads work was also bumped. The work included putting up gates and enhancing safety features to eliminate the need for trains’ horns. Coun. Michael Smith had no qualms putting off the rail work. According to him, the municipality should not be spending taxpayers’ money on what he considers a provincial job. “They are the ones that sold the railway to CN and the taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the sale,” Smith said. Coun. Trish Panz was the only council member to vote against the budget. She warned the zero per cent increase could sidetrack environmental and community initiatives residents want to see. “I think I am looking at the long-term here,” Panz said, adding she would like a buffer in the budget.
By adopting the zero per cent tax increase budget, the district will find new ways to do business, it doesn’t mean programs will be dropped, Coun. Bill Soprovich said. “I think we are in a new era,” he said. “I think it is prime time to start in a new direction.” The district’s new Balanced Scorecard came through the process largely intact. The management system’s expenditures were cut by $220,000, including $60,000 slated for clerical support for working groups. But the systems initiatives, including the creation of a Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the formation of a Lands Trust to progress the redevelopment of Ambleside are still scheduled to start this year.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The District of West Vancouver has developed a disciplined 2010 Budget that reflects the economic challenges and financial circumstances that our community faces.
At the February 8th Council Meeting, the 5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw received first, second, and third readings. A Special Council Meeting was held on Wednesday, February 10th at 9:30am, at which time the 2010 Budget Bylaw with a 0% tax increase was adopted.
More Information
- 5 Year Draft Financial Plan
- 2010 Budget (Presentation) | Regular Meeting of Council (January 11)
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