Property taxes will go up by about four per cent in the Sunshine Coast Regional District in 2004, according to the proposed budget released last week.
But some property owners will pay a bigger share of that overall increase than others. At the top of the scale, Halfmoon Bay's tax bill will rise 13.8 per cent, while the District of Sechelt's tax payment to the SCRD will drop 3.7 per cent. In part, those regional differences reflect the fact that each region pays for a different mix of services. For example, Halfmoon Bay is paying almost $40,000 more for fire protection this year, plus a $47,000 increase to the regional parks function. New assessments also will make a big difference to the tax bill. People with waterfront and view properties saw a big increase in their property assessments this year and will pay a proportionately bigger tax bill.
Meanwhile, the SCRD's biggest single taxpayer, the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill, will pay less property tax in 2004 since its market value has dropped due to depreciation. Overall, major industries (of which HSPP is by far the largest) will pay about $157,000 less in tax this year than they did in 2003 due to lower assessments, and that will shift more of the tax burden to homeowners.
Water rates in the SCRD are going up by eight per cent this year to $145.56 for a single dwelling. That increase is caused by the new $7 million water filtration plant which recently came into service.
Garbage rates are unchanged at $84.49 per house and $71.26 per mobile home.
The total SCRD budget for 2004, including both operating and capital expenses, is $2 million lower than last year at $26.8 million. Major new expenses include fire hall and fire truck upgrades, studies on possible fire protection for Egmont and Gambier, a feasibility study for new recreation facilities, a new recycling contract to replace the bankrupt SCRAPS service, a yard waste chipping program, washroom renovations for Roberts Creek and Granthams community halls, fitness equipment for the Gambier Community Hall, park improvements, more money for libraries and museums and funding for community schools to replace provincial budget cuts.
But the tax figures could well change before the March 31 budget deadline. The SCRD board is still tinkering with the budget, and John Rees, director for Pender Harbour, said he's still not happy with the tax levels.
"We would like to get it down," said Rees. "This complication by new assessment is very difficult."
Rees said his region is very much affected by the higher assessments on waterfront property.
"We have a 5.7 per cent increase. Without the complication of the new assessments, it would be a 1.2 per cent increase," said Rees.
