District of Clearwater mayor and council continued the budget debate, further discussing how much the district will spend, as well as whether rates should increase for taxpayers.
Staff brought an updated budget to council during the regular meeting on Feb. 15, illustrating what the district will be funding over the next five years, and how it will do it.
Various large projects are in the budget, including trails along Park Drive, Dutch Lake subdivision and Wells Gray Inn to the roundabout, as well as road work, equipment for the fire department and improvements to water and sewage infrastructure.
The budget was presented to council with a 1.96 per cent decrease in municipal taxation compared to 2021. During discussion, council members were concerned about the district’s reserves and how they would affect future projects, as well as future council members.
| Council discussed how much in municipal taxes to bring in this coming year. The chart shows how the revenue changes based on percentage increases. (District of Clearwater/YouTube) |
Mayor Merlin Blackwell noted there are a few projects that will require significant funding, including new fire department equipment and improvements to Clearwater’s roadways, something he said the district hasn’t funded enough in the past.
Coun. Lucy Taylor was concerned about how a more “bare bones” budget would effect the reserves. She suggested council look at raising the municipality tax rate and allocate the extra funds to reserves, to “warrant building for the future.” Many of the capital projects are planned to be funded from reserves.
Currently, the budget is allocating $2,684,100 from municipal taxation, 1.96 per cent ($53,752) lower than municipal revenues collected in 2021. In order to increase revenue to transfer into reserves for future capital projects, council discussed up to a 2.5 per cent increase in taxation.
| District of Clearwater revenues amount. (District of Clearwater/YouTube) |
“It is an eye on the future,” said Coun. Shelley Sim.
A tax rate per 1,000 (previously coined mill rate) has not yet been set. Council directed staff to illustrate how a 2.5 per cent taxation increase would effect taxpayers in Clearwater, which will be brought to a public consultation today (Feb. 24) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dutch Lake Community Cenre. Council stressed the chosen amount of 2.5 is for consultation purposes at this time.
The public is encouraged to attend the consultation and provide feedback for council and district staff. For more information about meeting details, visit the District of Clearwater website (www.districtofclearwater.com), Facebook page, or call the office at 250-674-2257.
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
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