Town plans to raise taxes

Osoyoos residents are being hit with a two per cent tax increase in 2005.
Director of Finance Jim Zakall brought forward details of the 2005 Budget for the Town of Osoyoos at the April 18 council meeting. Included in that budget is the two per cent increase in taxes, and a 14.34 per cent reduction in the residential mill rate.
Councillor Tom Shields said at the meeting that Osoyoos still has the best tax rate for the services it provides in B.C.
There will be a raise in taxes, but it is time to bite the bullet and step up to the plate, Shields said.
Councillor Dick Flintoft said the tax rate increase will not be a burden to Osoyoos citizens, and added that Osoyoos is still one of the lowest taxed municipalities in B.C. with the services we have.
A number of capital projects that council will need to consider for the 2005 Water Budget include:
- 89 Street water main Cactus to Oleander
- Re-commissioning Irrigation Pump 9Arn- Station #9 flow meters
- Station 8A Upgrading
- Well #7 Engineering.
The finance committee recommended that council consider a $2 per month increase to single and two family dwellings bringing the annual domestic water charge to $208 and apply a 13.04 per cent increase to all other Town water rates with the exception of Campgrounds and RV Parks.
As well, a number of capital projects for consideration were outlined for the 2005 Sewer Budget. They include:
- Odour control system
- 89 Street Sanitary north of 62 Avenue
- Jasmine Lobelia Phases 1 and 2
- Cottonwood Drive Interceptor.
The recommendation was that council consider a $2 per month increase to single and two family dwellings, bringing the sewer user charge to $180 and apply a 15.38 per cent increase to all other town sewer rates with the exception of Campgrounds and RV Parks.
As well at the meeting, Finance Director Zakall detailed a new Financial Plan.
According to the Community Charter, council needs to undertake a process of public consultation regarding the proposed financial plan before it is adopted.
The Financial Plan will be reproduced for the public who will have the opportunity to comment during the regular meeting of council on May 2, just prior to adoption.
Some of the highlights of the 2005 budget include:rn-Taxation: Taxes have increased by two per cent after new construction. The residential mill rate has been reduced by 14.34 per cent to 2.1782 for 2005.
-Operating: 2.5 per cent increase to C.U.P.E. wages.
-Capital: Water and Sewer projects outlined above and several other projects including the purchase of the Old Elementary School (Sonora Centre), completion of phase one of Sonora Centre, phase two of Sonora Centre, skateboard park, downtown sidewalk improvements, fire department pumper truck, Health Centre upgrades and more.
Property taxes are set to go out mid-May.