Sechelt council has a new number to consider for the 2023 tax increase: 7.2 per cent.
In March, the proposed increase was 5.4 per cent, but had to be revised after the council made nine recommendations. At the April 26 committee of the whole meeting, staff presented the latest draft of the five-year financial plan bylaw, but were not seeking any recommendations.
While a 3 per cent increase is slated for capital expenses, the increase for operations is now 4.2 per cent (compared to the 2.4 per cent previously put forward).
Operating expenses are calculated to be $18,024,576 — an increase of $1,478,910 from the previous year. The staff report notes several of the costs that increased are contracts or expenses beyond the district’s control, such as the RCMP contract, debt payments, hydro, natural gas and vehicle fuel.
As for the general capital budget, planned funding sources include development cost charges, reserves, debt financing, grants and use fees to cover the $16,568,347.
Budgeted fees for both sewer and septage increased by 6.65 per cent, a $41 increase to most homes and for commercial. For sewer, the increase in costs to the network are for collection, treatment of wastewater and maintenance for the water resource centre. For septage, the increase is attributed to a higher volume of use at the Dusty Road facility. The district is budgeting for an increase of $28,234 to operate the Dusty Road facility.
Taxation and other levies rose to a total of $13,145,106, an increase of $988,686 from 2022, staff told council. Fees and charges have been budgeted at $215,197 over 2022 levels. Meanwhile, a variety of grants the district has received add up to $7,547,453, and have been included in the general operating fund.
Of the revenue and funding sources, taxation and other levies is the largest, at 38 per cent, followed by capital grants and contributions at 24 per cent. Sewer fees and charges, personal taxes equal about 13 per cent.
Of the property classes, residential bears the greatest amount of taxes at 85 per cent. The business other class is 12.3 per cent.
The five-year financial plan and tax rate bylaw has to be adopted before May 15. Following the presentation at the April 26 committee meeting, staff will seek the first three readings from council. The next Sechelt council meeting is scheduled for May 3.
