Council gave three readings to its five-year financial and tax rates bylaws. Barring any last-minute changes, there will be a total average tax increase of 4.1 per cent to most classes, including residential.
That increase is $25.04 for the municipal portion for the average house assessed at $164,260. This is based upon the average assessment increase in Quesnel of 4.3 per cent.
If a home’s assessment increased by more than the average, the tax increase is more than the average; if it is less, then the tax increase is less.
Only one councilor voted against the bylaw – Coun. Sushil Thapar.
The bylaws will be presented for final readings at the May 3 council meeting.
Financial approved
Ron Rasmussen presented his review of the City of Quesnel’s financial statements for the year ending Dec. 31, 2010. The audit’s purpose is to examine the amounts and disclosures on financial statements, assess the accounting principles used and evaluate the overall financial statements.
Particular mention was made of the city’s infrastructure deficit. All communities are facing the issue of aging infrastructure and the need for reinvestment.
A new accounting method introduced last year for roads, sewer and water systems, buildings and other assets identified Quesnel’s infrastructure gap at around $45 million based on historical costs. This is the issue the city’s Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Plan is designed to help address.
In his report to council, Rasmussen commended the city and council’s continued commitment towards creating financial strength. He also pointed to staff’s good work in compiling the materials needed for his audit.
Volunteers recognized
Quesnel City Council presented the 2010 Volunteer Citizen of the Year nominees with certificates of congratulations. Sheri Coles, Dianne Greenwood, Liz Miller and Wes Sissons were all commended for their ongoing volunteerism and commitment to the community.
Co-op moves ahead
Council approved the first two readings of official community plan and zoning bylaw amendments to allow for a development at the Vanderhoof Cooperative Association card lock and bulk fuel storage site.
The amendments allow for a zoning change from M-1 (Light Industrial) to C-4 (Highway Service Commercial.) This change will allow the development of a home and agro-centre, and convenience store. A public hearing to deal with the matter was set for May 9 in council chambers at 7 p.m.
Other news
Council gave first two readings to a zoning amendment for a property at 2153 Dragon Hill Rd.
The amendment will change the zoning from CR-2 to CR-4 to allow the addition of a door and window assembly/distribution shop to an existing shop.
A public hearing to address the matter was set for May 9.
Owners of a pair of properties listed on Quesnel’s Heritage Register received their commemorative plaques. The properties recognized are: the Hoy House, at 283 Barlow Ave., owned by Dr. Allan Baker; and the Harry Joyce House at 558 Front St., owned by Douglas Smith.
Council approved the disposal of a 1982 Ford Thibault fire engine. The engine has served 29 years with the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department. The fire pump is no longer certified and not worth repairing. The engine will be disposed of through a sealed bid process.
Important dates
April 26 – Spring Clean Up begins
April 27 – Heritage Speaker Series – 7 p.m., Council Chambers
May 1 – Hike for Hospice
May 7 – Friends of the Museum, Book Sale
May 7 – Move for Health Day
June 11 – Family Day
Proclamations
May – Vision Health Month
