If you're hoping the newly sworn in Kelowna Council will come in with a budget that includes a zero per cent tax increase, don't hold your breath. Mayor Walter Gray says he doesn't see that happening. In preparation for the 2012 budget, Gray says City Manager, Ron Mattiussi, asked the various department heads within the city to trim back their budget requests to reflect the tough economic times. Gray acknowledged during his inaugural address Monday evening that it will be up to the new council to find a 'balance' as it develops a fiscal plan and a financial plan that reflects what the community has said is important to them. "Some people have suggested it should be a zero per cent increase. I can't for the life of me believe that's possible, nor did the citizens demand that," Gray stated after the inauguration. "What they demand is absolute value for every dollar spent. I think they would like to see the shape of the budget reflect the tough times we are now enduring." The new council has not yet seen the 2012 budget document. "We get that as a Christmas gift Christmas Eve. Read that, the entire Christmas Day, Boxing Day and well into New Year's Day. Then we'll be prepared before the middle of January to deal with that budget," says Gray.
Over the last eight years, Kelowna taxpayers have seen budget increases as high as 5.66 per cent.
- 2004 - 1.75%
- 2005 - 1.95%
- 2006 - 2.0%
- 2007 - 2.81%
- 2008 - 5.66%
- 2009 - 3.49%
- 2010 - 1.62%
- 2011 - 2.47%
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