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2015 budget finalized by city council

City Council finalized Campbell River’s 2015 budget with a 1.7% property tax increase.

The increase equates to approximately $24 per year for the average Campbell River home (valued at $264,200). In comparison, the Canadian Consumer Price Index rates inflation at 2.1%.

Council also increased the Parks Parcel Tax rate from $25 to $37 per parcel and confirmed no change to the percentage of property taxes paid for by the business class (21%).

Properties in the Managed Forest Lands tax class will continue to see an increase phased in over three years (started in 2014) that will generate $46,000 this year.

The Utilities tax class rate will also increase (phased in over four years, started in 2014), that will generate $138,000 this year.

An additional $340,000 in property tax revenue will come from new building and development in the community.

The City of Campbell River’s operating budget for 2015 will be $62 million, with another $15,716,980 for capital projects (not funded through property taxation).

Council approved extensive capital plans for sewer and water infrastructure and modest service increases.

A major upgrade to Highway 19A from Simms Creek to McCallum Park is proposed, dependent upon Build Canada senior government grant funding.

Highlights of enhanced services approved:

  • New bylaw officer
  • Incentive programs for downtown revitalization
  • Graffitti clean-up
  • Bus stop improvements
  • Community clean-up
  • Community Health Network funding support

Highlights of capital projects approved (paid through reserve funding, senior government grants or borrowing rather than property tax increase):

  • New City water supply intake – $4.2 million (with additional funding support from BC Hydro)
  • Robron Park artificial soccer turf – $2.6 million (Parks Reserve funding and Federal Gas Tax / Community Works Fund)
  • Norm Wood Environmental Centre upgrades – $2.5 million
  • Fire ladder truck – $1.1 million
  • Foreshore and Ostler Park upgrades – $1 million (funded by Federal Gas Tax / Community Works Fund)
  • Airport fueling facility – $740,000
  • Emergency generator – $200,000 (Federal Gas Tax / Community Works Fund)
  • Recreation software upgrades (online booking) – $200,000 (Federal Gas Tax / Community Works Fund)

The City of Campbell River provides more than 100 services, which cost an average of $186 per household per month.

Services include: drinking water, sewer, emergency response, garbage, recycling and yard waste collection, flood protection, streets, sidewalks and traffic control, public recreation facilities, land use planning, development services and building inspection, law enforcement and firefighters, parks, recreation and culture, transit and airport, environmental management, economic development, museum, art gallery and other facilities.

By law, the City’s 2015 financial plan must be formalized as a balanced budget (deficits are not permitted for local governments) and presented to the Province by May 15.

Property tax payments will be due by July 2.

For more information about the City’s 2015 budget, visit the Campbell River’s website.

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