Central Okanagan

After two days of deliberations, Lake Country Council approved the 2013 Budget with a 3 per cent tax increase. It was signed off at a special meeting held on Thursday, February 7. 

According to the Lake Country blog the increase was needed to cover:

• Contracted services with the RCMP
• Recent transit service expansion

Highlights:

• A higher portion of property taxes will go to infrastructure projects, increased from $400,000 in 2012 to $700,000 in 2013.
• Total Capital Budget spending at almost $10 Million 
• Much needed expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Regional Septage facility (a total of $7 million, of which $750,000 was already spent in 2012). This will not only address current limitations in the system but will also provide much needed infrastructure capacity for future growth and expansion. 
• Water system improvements for “The Lakes” subdivision ($1.4 million) will also address capacity issues as new phases of that subdivision are built but it will also provide for much needed piping renewal to the system in the areas leading to the subdivision.
• Universal Water Metering options
• Replace a water main on Glenmore Road.

Check out the Lake Country blog for more information.