The District of Fort St. James plans to raise taxes by 8 per cent in 2024.
The proposed 8 per cent increase to tax collection decreases the residential tax rate by 0.1 per cent, said Chief Administrative Officer Racelle Willick.
This will equal, on average, an approximate $47 annual rise in municipal property taxes based on the average residential assessment increase.
Willick said the council’s strategic priorities shape the municipal budget.
“Council’s top strategic focus area is managing our assets with the goal to undertake a systematic and proactive approach to developing, maintaining, and replacing our assets and infrastructure,” she said.
Councils strategic focus areas also include Indigenous relations and reconciliation, adapting to a changing climate, and organizational effectiveness, she added.
The five-year financial plan incorporates these objectives with increased organizational capacity, additions to reserves for future capital projects, collaborative events, education and training for staff and council, and capital investment.
Council is expected to pass the new tax bylaw after its final reading on April 23.
Fort St. James’ 2024 municipal budget is available for public examination, enquiry and comment ahead of the district adopting it. The budget was presented at the March 27 meeting and the public can submit their views on the matter by April 11. The draft of the proposed 40-paged, 2024-2028 budget can be accessed on the district’s website .
READ MORE: District of Fort St. James’ budget draft up for public consultation