There continues to be debate over Vernon's proposed tax hike this year. The increase stands 0.24 percent after getting preliminary approval (three readings) from council Monday. A motion to add an extra one percent was defeated by a 4-3 vote. Councillor Buffy Baumbrough was in favour of the extra, saying the money could be used for ongoing costs. "It would be prudent to build up our reserves in terms of dealing with our upcoming infrastructure costs and our infrastructure deficit, but obviously council doesn't feel that's as important as I do." Baumbrough doesn't feel a 1.24 percent tax hike would be a hardship on residents. "Everyone that I have spoken to, or people that have approached me on the street with respect to taxation, said they would be comfortable with somewhere around a two percent tax increase, so I don't think it would be an undue hardship on taxpayers."
Councillor Jack Gilroy also wanted to add one percent, to maintain roads and sewers. "It's been a horrible year for the roads in Vernon. I think everybody can attest with the thawing and freezing, the roads are just a mess, and pavement is expensive." Councillor Bob Spiers joined Gilroy and Baumbrough in opposition to the .24 increase, but Spiers would like to see the number reduced. City financial manager Kevin Bertles hadn't made the calculation as far as how much extra the increase would mean for the average homeowner. The public can comment on the financial plan March 14th at City Hall.
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DonQuixote Note: (For Clarification) There was a vote on the further 1% increase and it was rejected by a 4-3 vote with Coun. Baumbrough, Coun. Gilroy and Mayor Lippert in the minority.
On the motion to give the budget 3 readings at the .24% level the vote was again 4-3 with Baumbrough, Gilroy and Spiers voting against for the reasons as stated in above posting.
The Vote to send it to public input 2 weeks later on March 14th was unanimous.
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