Planning a government budget, at any level, is never an easy task.
Summerland’s municipal budget will pay for a myriad of expenses needed to keep the municipality functioning. These include road work, policing, public works and recreational services.
Last year, the budget came it at $10.6 million.
The budget will determine whether Summerlanders will see an increase in their property taxes, and if so, how much of an increase.
Elsewhere in the Okanagan, officials in Kelowna and Penticton have said they want no tax increases. In Summerland, Mayor Janice Perrino has stated she wants any tax increase kept as low as possible.
Because costs of goods and services rise a little each year, a small increase would be needed to keep municipal services at last year’s levels.
Improving or expanding services would require a higher tax rate.
A zero per cent increase or a reduction in the tax rate would mean cutting services provided by the municipality.
We encourage the people of Summerland to describe what they would like to see for the community.
If you think we need to expand or improve services, which services need more funding and how much of a tax increase would you be willing to accept to pay for this?
If you think the present tax rate is too high, how big a reduction is needed and where should the municipality cut services to save the money needed? If you are happy with the present system and would support a small tax increase to pay for what we enjoy at present, please say so.
Please visit us at summerlandreview.com or visit the Review’s Facebook page to offer your suggestions. Also, please contact the mayor, members of council or municipal staff with your suggestions.
Summerland is our community. Have a say in what happens.
