The 2009 proposed budget includes a 2.5 per cent tax increase, which works out to an increase of just under $20 for the average residential property’s annual tax bill (the average assessment for 2009 is $535,103).
The tax increase and the overall budget will be the topic of an open house Wednesday at the municipal office from 4 to 7 p.m.
“There has been considerable effort put into this budget by both council and staff to provide the taxpayers of Coldstream with a budget that recognizes the current economic situation, and which tries to minimize the impact on its residents,” said Catherine Lord, director of financial administration, in her report.
The biggest challenge is an expected property tax revenue loss of $175,000 in the budget due to the closure of the Owens-Illinois operated glass plant in Lavington.
But the budget also reflects the 2008 impacts of closing the Community Policing Office and bringing fire inspection in house (which was previously provided by the North Okanagan Regional District). The CPO office closure was used to offset increased RCMP contact costs (up $30,000).
The budget also reflects an upcoming change in sewer billing.
Compared to the current $142 per quarter flat rate, a consumption rate with a base of $85 per quarter will be implemented with the July 2009 billing.
“Since July of 2008, resident’s quarterly bills have included a section that advises them what the impact of the billing change will mean to them,” said Lord.
Some highlights of the capital projects in the budget are: completion of the Aberdeen Road off site works, including sidewalks and curbing; rebuilding a retaining wall on Westkal Road, construction of a bicycle path on a portion of Coldstream Creek Road, from Mackie Drive to Kalamalka Road; and the funding of a reserve to upgrade the culverts on School Road.
One major sewer fund project is replacing the Coldstream Creek Lift Station (worth $518,114).
Tax dollars are divided in Coldstream as the following: 29.4 per cent transportation ($1.7 million), 16.5 per cent police, 14.4 per cent general government, 12.6 per cent capital and reserves, 8.9 per cent development and building, 7.1 per cent fire, 6.8 per cent debt charges and 4.3 per cent for other services.
Along with the upcoming budget open house, the budget is available for viewing at www.districtofcoldstream.ca.
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It is encouraging to see Council's efforts to minimize tax increases for 2009.
It would be even more encouraging to see realistic water and sewer rates for the taxpayers of this community.
Presently all costs to the improvements of the water infrastructure are borne by water users. Thousands of properties not using water at present contribute nothing to these costs yet they will ultimately benefit from these improvements. If elected I will work hard to eliminate this anomaly and ensure that vacant lots and absentee property owners carry their fair share of these costs.
I also pledge to work towards a graduated water rate system whereby heavy users will pay higher rates beyond reasonable volumes used. For a sample of this system please visit Kelowna water rates (click).
Our sewer rates are also too high. The proposed rate changes still recovers significantly higher sewer costs than is necessary for the effective operation and maintenance of the system. As I demonstrated repeatedly to Council and Administration the proposed new base rate is at least $100 higher than should be. I would definitely work to reduce the sewer rates to realistic levels.
These items would be over and above my pledge to run a democratic, transparent and fair Municipal government which would consider the best interest of the citizens of the District.
Gyula Kiss
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