The City of Campbell River has adopted its 2021-2030 Financial Plan, and while property owners will be paying a little more in taxes next year, it could have been a lot more.
Taxes were set to go up by 2.85 per cent next year, but that’s no longer the case after the City got some help from the provincial government.
The 2021 budget now includes a 1.95 per cent tax increase, which equates to about $41 on a home of average value (estimated at $442,000).
Pressures on its budget were relieved by using a portion of the $4.6 million provincial COVID Safe Restart grant and an additional $160,000 in property tax revenue related to new construction.
“The City anticipates another challenging year in 2021 and is working to ensure Campbell River is well-positioned to adjust as the pandemic unfolds and eventually resolves,” a release said.
Council will meet early in the new year to carefully consider the use of the remaining $3,178,000 in provincial restart funding. This is all in an effort to best benefit Campbell Riverites, the City adds.
Next year’s budget includes more than $1.24 million in service cuts, along with funding for an outdoor pool operation and a significant investment in downtown safety (select committee, matching grants for building and property improvements).
After Michele Babchuk stepped down from council to take on her new role as North Island MLA, the City says the budget will also fund a COVID-safe by-election in February.
