From the City of Williams Lake: I'll have a follow-up blog entry on this subject Tuesday
City Council has endorsed a preliminary 2011 budget and wants to hear from the public at an information meeting that will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at City Council Chambers. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the City’s budgeting process and to share their views on the proposed budget.
The budget proposes a three per cent (3%) increase in taxation over 2010, which is necessary to address general inflationary costs and increases to the RCMP contract, solid waste management, negotiated salaries and debt servicing. Growth in the tax base and utilization of general surplus funds have helped to offset the need for a higher tax increase. The budget does not propose any increases in water or sewer rates or any new borrowing.
The capital budget includes funding for upgrades to the traffic signals at 3rd Avenue and Oliver Street, final design for Woodland Drive water and sewer services, completion of dewatering the City’s wastewater treatment lagoons, Phase II of the River Valley Trail stormwater system, irrigation at the Boitanio Park bike park; and the relocation of Station House Gallery.
The operating budget contains initiatives to undertake a City branding process; a citizen survey; a solid waste education program; and establishment of a pavement management reserve account.
"Council wants to hear from residents on this budget," says Mayor Kerry Cook. "I encourage everyone to come out, ask questions, and find out how your tax dollars are being spent. We welcome concerns, questions, and ideas at the public information meeting before we finalize the budget."
A 2011 budget information package will be available for the public by March 4, 2011. Under the Community Charter, the City’s financial plan and property tax rates must be adopted by May 15th of each year.
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