The City of Vernon has adopted its 2013 budget.

The City of Vernon has adopted its 2013 budget.

City of Vernon budget adopted

The overall tax increase for residents is 3.9 per cent

The final step for the City of Vernon is sending out tax notices.

Council adopted the 2013 budget Monday, including a 3.9 per cent tax increase.

“We had a lot of different issues to deal with,” said Coun. Catherine Lord of the process leading to adoption.

Through the financial plan, there were some service reductions while user fees have climbed.

Of the overall tax increase, 1.9 per cent is designated for Vernon’s future infrastructure needs.

Lone opposition to the budget came from Coun. Bob Spiers.

Spiers says the tax increase is too high and infrastructure money is going to what he calls “cosmetic projects” such as the Polson Greenway on 29th Street.

“I’m tired of banging my head against the wall,” he said of raising concerns that don’t get support from his colleagues.

The budget’s impact on an average home is an additional  $45 in taxes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vernon Morning Star