Taxes could barely budge in Enderby.
City council had its first look at the draft 2016 budget Monday, including a 0.69 per cent tax increase.
“It’s less than one per cent,” said Mayor Greg McCune.
“It was part of the guidance we gave to staff. With the Cliff Avenue (redevelopment) project, we didn’t want a huge tax hit.”
McCune is satisfied that the budget covers necessary capital and program expenditures for the coming year, including upgrades to Cliff Avenue.
“Everything, including reserves, looks good,” he said.
Discussions will continue and McCune says there’s the possibility the tax hike could evolve.
“I don’t see it going much farther. Maybe one per cent.”
If the 0.69 per cent remains, this will translate into an additional $12 for taxes and utilities for the average home.
Water user fees have been adjusted to provide savings up to $40 a year for those with lawns or large families and for those who consumed less than the 2015 allocation.
“There won’t be as much as a hit for people with large families,” said Coun. Tundra Baird.
The budget will be the focus of a public input meeting April 18 and the budget will be adopted by council in early May.
