Coldstream council has unanimously approved its 2010 budget, including a 5.59 percent property tax increase. Councillor Pat Cochrane says there has been a general understanding among residents as to the reasons for the big hike. This includes keeping funds aside for legal fees in the water devolution dispute with Vernon and a plan to upgrade the district's roadways. Cochrane says residents have been generally supportive of the budget despite the big hike. Finance Officer Trevor Siebel says Coldstream has also lost up to 100-thousand dollars in major industry taxes as a result of the closure of the former Lavington glass plant and the site's rezoning. He says that 2-1/2 percent reduction had to be made up. Tolko's lumber mill in Lavington may see its taxes reduced. Siebel says the mill is likely to benefit from council's direction to lower major industrial taxes. Coldstream council has rejected the idea of a parking ban on the southern portion of Westkal Road. Residents have said they are fed up with drunkenness, people starting fires, and general nuisance problems. Cochrane says staff has been directed to make some improvements to signage. No overnight parking will be allowed by the boat launch -- to discourage late night partiers.
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