The 2015-2019 Squamish budget passed its first three readings at council on Tuesday. The 2015 financial plan includes a 3.6 per cent increase to property tax revenue.
“I am really pleased that we got to the 3.6,” said Councillor Jason Blackman Wulff. “I think we all worked really hard to do that, and I think it reflects a lot of difficult choices, but I think we made the right choices in terms of moving things forward in the district.”
The actual increase will vary depending on each home’s property assessment. An average single family home would see about a 5.06 per cent municipal tax increase overall, according to Christine Mathews, financial planning manager for the district. Utility charges for water and sewer will increase 9.5 per cent over last year.
The solid waste fees depend on garbage tote size chosen, but there will a 32.5 per cent increase over 2014 fees based on an average sized tote. This increase is due to district’s new organic waste collection program.
Businesses face about a 1.79 per cent tax increase, depending on the assessment of the business.
Included in the budget for 2015 are expenses for public engagement, infrastructure upgrades and further developing safe walking and cycling routes to schools.
The budget will go before council for final adoption on May 12.
