Climbing costs lead to Coldstream tax hike

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 13, 2012 1:00 AM

Coldstream residents will be handing over an extra $57 to the tax man this year. A tax hike of 6.59 per cent is set for 2012 and is expected to be adopted at Coldstream council’s April 23 meeting. For the average home in Coldstream ($447,000), the total municipal tax amount is $975. The rate hike includes the 1.34 per cent increase for the borrowing of funds for the new mechanic shop. Some of the factors that have led to the increase include reduced revenues, a legal fee contingency, new RCMP contract,  increased transit costs, additional net operating costs, interest for the mechanic shop borrowing funds, a boost to the machinery and equipment reserve fund, transferring funds to a drainage reserve and dollars for the pavement management program. Taxes are due July 3, 2012.

Recycling costs increase

The cost of keeping recyclables from the landfill is going up. North Okanagan residents currently pay $17.30 per year for the Blue Bag Recycling program. “This fee was established in 2002 and bas not changed since 2002,” said Trevor Seibel, Coldstream’s director of financial administration, in a report.
With a new three-year contract, with Aldon Water Systems, and annual fee will increase to $19.55 for 2012. “Although this is a $2.25 annual increase, it must be noted that there has not been an increase in the fee for this service in nearly 10 years,” said Seibel. Fees will also be increased for 2013 and 2014 to $19.94 and $20.33 respectively.

Region clicks into new website

North Okanagan residents have new and improved information at their fingertips. The Regional District of North Okanagan has launched a new website at www.rdno.ca. “It’s a significant improvement,” said Doug Dirk, RDNO director from Coldstream. The new site aims to better provide information to residents on boil water advisories, mapping, regional services and more.