Citing “record high inflation rates” the City of White Rock is proposing a more than nine per-cent tax increase for the average single family home.
And it’s looking for written reactions, online, in a two-week window that closes on March 17.
In a media release issued Thursday afternoon, the city said the 2023 proposed budget is based on a combined municipal, police, and asset improvement property tax increase of $361 – a 9.17 per- cent hike (or $30 monthly increase) – for the average single-family home.
For an average multi-family home, the increase shakes down to some $137 (or a $11.50 monthly increase).
“When looking at the combined rate, including property taxation and utility charges, the net increase to the average single-family household is $453 ($37.75 monthly increase), or 7.8% over 2022,” the release states.
High inflation rates have translated to “higher-than-normal resources costs” for the city, it adds.
It noted that, against these costs, the city must balance being responsive to the needs of the community and sustaining and enhancing service delivery.
The City added that taxation must also support council’s strategic priorities to steward White Rock toward its vision of “a community where people feel safe, included, respected, and connected, local businesses prosper, natural areas are thriving and protected, and city spaces are animated, well-maintained, and inviting.”
Comments received will be summarized and shared with Council at the March 27 Finance and Audit Committee meeting.
Residents can review and comment on the 2023-2027 draft financial plan at talkwhiterock.ca/financialplan
alex.browne@peacearchnews.com
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