Adoption of the Budget Bylaw May 12, 2009
Squamish Council unanimously passed first three readings of the 2009 Financial Plan at the May 4 Council meeting. Council and staff have delivered a balanced budget with a minimal tax rate increase. The budget will result in an overall tax increase of 2.9 %.
“Council is pleased to be able to attain such a modest increase to taxes without making any major service reductions,” said Mayor Greg Gardner. “I am also pleased that Council has unanimously endorsed this budget which has not happened for many years,” continued Gardner.
The 2009 budget will affect the different property classes to varying degrees. The average single-family residential house, which is assessed at $451,652, will see a 4.7% increase or $76.54.
The average strata unit, which is assessed at $288,826, will see a 2.8% increase or $29.97.
The average business property, which is assessed at $526,177 (down from $571,162 in 2008), will see a tax dollar decrease of 2.67% or $142.72.
The total Operating Budget of the District Squamish for 2009 is $23,350,490.
In addition, your tax dollars at work will see some major capital projects including:
$1 million paving program.
Installation of the Kingswood overpass.
Continuation of construction of the Corridor Trail.
Completion and opening of the Seniors' Centre in downtown Squamish.
Brennan Park Recreation Centre arena roof replaced.
Application for grants under the Build Canada program (boulevard water pump station and government road sanitary sewer upgrade).
A cycling path initiative for bicycle lanes from Valleycliffe to Brackendale funded in part through the gas tax agreement between the federal, provincial and municipal
governments.
The Budget Bylaw goes before Council for adoption May 12, 2009 at a Special Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. at Municipal Hall.
