Township moves ahead with tax hike

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 27, 2011 1:00 AM

Spallumcheen residents could be facing a three per cent tax increase. The municipal tax collection contained in the first draft of the 2011 financial plan is budgeted to increase by three per cent or $102,000. Brian Freeman-Marsh, chief financial officer, said the township’s finance committee agreed to leave the tax collection at three per cent and factor new growth on top of that.  “It was felt that slow, steady growth was preferable to having to make substantive increases in the financial plan in the future to cover a decrease in collection at the current time,” said Freeman-Marsh.  The public will have a chance to have its say on the financial plan at a consultation session March 7 at 6 p.m. at the township office. Meanwhile, the finance committee recommended a number of grants in aid be put towards several organizations. All of the recommendations were passed by council.  The O’Keefe Ranch and Historic Society will receive another 10,000 grant in aid to help with its costs for 2011.  The Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum will get two grants totalling $7,000. One is for $3,000 which will be used for exterior renovations.  Caravan Farm Theatre will receive $2,000 towards building on-site housing. And the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department will receive a grant of $500.