Photo: Contributed

After debating it for a second time, Vernon city council is going to stick with its planned tax increase.

Council has debated a number of options presented to them by staff earlier this year with each option a variation of where to increase taxes.

The fact that taxes will increase was never in doubt, but where that tax increase would fall was.

The debate was between placing the tax burden on local businesses or residents, with the option to place an increase predominantly on residents winning out.

Coun. Scott Anderson said it's “time to send a message to business just because they don't have the votes does not mean we will shove everything on them.

“They have not been treated fairly at all. This really is a good chance to send a message to business that we are on their side and we won't be treating them unfairly.”

Added Coun. Kari Gares, “Businesses are still carrying a far greater share of that tax increase. We need to do more by recognizing our small businesses. It's recognizing small businesses are already at a disadvantage.”

Gares noted the difference between the two rates meant an extra $25 to residents, whereas the difference to businesses was $232 instead of $632.

The average residential property tax rate go up by 7.11 per cent or $97.57 a year, with general municipal taxes jumping 9.49 per cent or $130.22 per property.

Businesses, on the other hand, will get a slight tax break from 9.68 per cent to 9.61 per cent.

Mayor Victor Cumming and Coun. Akbal Mund both voted against the increase.