Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster is starting a mayor's task force on economic development this month.
"I wanted to mention that due to some of the concerns expressed recently by the business community and other members of the community I will be forming a mayor's task force on economic development," said Inkster at the Feb. 9 committee of the whole meeting. "This will be a non-partisan working group (please check your egos at the door), which will produce a report and recommendations that can be considered by the business community and can be considered by council as we move forward economically."
9-1-1 service
Councillors endorsed an adjusted tax rate needed to help pay for 9-1-1 emergency telephone service.
A report from the SCRD recommended increasing the taxation for the service to $0.07 per $1,000 of assessed value from $0.045 per $1,000 of assessed value. The report stated the increase would "provide sufficient taxation room in the future," for the service, but noted an increase of $0.055 per $1,000 of assessed value is all that is needed to continue the service at this time.
Council agreed to the latter rate that would see average homeowners pay about $22.90 a year for the service.
Dakota Ridge
Council gave their support to a moderate tax increase for residents to help pay for ongoing costs at the Dakota Ridge winter recreation site.
"I think the amount of money involved here with Dakota Ridge and the nearness to our community, the use our community makes of this regional site, I think this is one I'd say we should pass," said Coun. Fred Taylor.
The District received a business plan for the winter recreation site from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) that clearly showed the need for more funding to keep it in operation. The tax increase agreed to is $0.025 per $1,000 of assessed value. That equates to about $10.40 in yearly taxes for the average homeowner in the District of Sechelt.
