The overall budget in Golden will increase by 3.28 per cent after council unanimously passed its 2020 budget on March 3.
This is down from last year’s one time increase of 6.75 per cent and is less than their typical five per cent adjustment.
The town will be working on a tax rate bylaw next week, which will be set prior to May 15. The tax rate bylaw will dictate how much property tax residents will pay based on the assessed value of their homes.
“Every time you use a recreation facility, drive a local street, have your garbage picked up, or flush your toilet, you are using a Town of Golden service,” said Mayor Ron Oszust.
“The approved budget makes sure we can maintain those services, while also keeping up with inflation and planning for the future.”
READ MORE: Town announced proposed 2020 budget and five year plan
READ MORE: Town of Golden holds annual budget open house
The town has several projects planned for the upcoming year across multiple departments, including legislative services, operations, development services, recreation services, fire department and communications.
“We have both exciting and challenging times ahead,” said chief administrative officer Jon Wilsgard.
“Before us is phase two of the dike project; a potential ask to the public for permission to borrow funds for necessary infrastructure improvements in the downtown; completing the Alexander Drive neighbourhood sidewalk renewal and removal project; and continuing investments in beautifying our community.”
Among the projects included in this year’s budget is the Kicking Horse River Dike Improvement Project. A majority of the project will be completed this year, including the construction of the flood wall and the start of the beautification work.
The Alex Drive Neighbourhood Sidewalk Project will also be completed this year and operations will purchase a new replacement grader in 2020.
The town will also be updating its flood maps that were originally developed in the 1970s. The updated maps will be used to update the town’s floodplain bylaw.
The town also intends to buy a new firetruck in 2021.
For more information and details on the 2020 Budget and 2020-2024 Financial Plan, visit golden.ca/budget.
