The District of Squamish’s draft budget represents an approximate $139 increase to the average 2022 residential assessment of $1,024,000 and an approximate $454 increase to the average 2022 business assessment of $1,300,000.
These amounts result from a net 5.9% increase in the property tax revenue for 2023 budget.
“As the District continues to respond to external growth pressures and aging facilities and infrastructure, the budget pressures are being carefully balanced to accommodate short, medium and long-term needs,” says Mayor Armand Hurford. “We’ve worked to balance the necessity for investment and spending in need areas, while keeping property tax increases in check.”
The newly elected District of Squamish Council is inviting residents to an informal evening of conversation on November 29 between 5 and 8 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
This is an opportunity for residents to meet the new Council and discuss topics that matter to them. Information on the proposed 2023-27 Financial Plan will be on hand, and comments will be invited from the public prior to the Financial Plan adoption in December.
Light refreshments will be available.
Corinne Lonsdale says
I am surprised we are seeing such an unacceptable tax increase. I wonder what increases may we see to our Utility bill? Since both are due on July 1st we should get that information now as well. Clearly new development is not paying it’s way. I think it time to go back to zero based budgeting and determine how Council can get the spending under control. It is time for Council and Staff to face reality. Tax increases should be kept to under 4%.The DoS should be providing for our ‘needs’ . Only if the tax rate can be kept to a minimum or nil should Council be considering extras. I think you should apply the criteria used when looking after your own personal household expenses because you cannot spend what you do not have or cannot cover without hardship. It is far too easy for Council to simply adjust the tax rate to raise whatever amount they would like.
Dean Richards says
I wish you were still on Council Corrine
Steve says
Great comments Corrine,I wonder what they’ll do when they run out of everyone else’s money.