Surrey is planning a hike in taxes and utilities next year of more than $100.
The city is gearing up to consider its 2014 budget – a document that right now includes an increase of $113 to the owner of the average home with an estimated value of $643,600.
As outlined in its five-year plan last year, Surrey is considering a 2.9-per-cent property tax hike ($44.40), along with a one-per-cent road levy ($15.31), for a total tax increase of $59.71.
It will bring the property taxes on the average home to $1,590.
In addition, homeowners will be hit with a host of utility increases, including water ($19.39); sewer ($19.26); a parcel tax for pipe repair, pumping stations, etc. ($13); and an increase in garbage hauling of $2 – for a total utility hike of $53.62.
The total cost of utilities on the average home will be $1,170.
The total new cost of taxes and utilities on the average Surrey home valued at $643,600 will be $2,760, or $3,170 if the home has a secondary suite.
Extra operating costs expected next year include 12 additional RCMP members, with five more municipal support workers.
There will be no new hires for firefighting, bylaw enforcement, or animal control.
Labour contract increases next year are expected to amount to $9 million, while third-party contracts are expected to jump by $2.41 million.
Surrey is planning to budget $1 million for new public facilities next year, add $1.10 million worth of new programs, and increase contributions to capital and technology replacement by $1.5 million.
The $763-million budget will be discussed by the city’s finance committee, which includes all of council, on Nov. 25.
