Vernon could see 8% tax increase for 2022; lower options to be considered by council

Photo: Jon Manchester

The City of Vernon is looking at a proposed property tax increase of eight per cent for 2022.

The proposed financial plan will be deliberated by council Nov. 29 and 30.

City administration note the proposed operating increase, excluding the RCMP contract budget, is two per cent.

With the RCMP cost anticipated to increase by $1,037,046, an infrastructure levy increase, addition of a planning position at City Hall, and service level increases previously endorsed by council, the total tax increase comes up to eight per cent.

These include a $50,000 grant to the O'Keefe Historical Society, and $116,610 for the planning position.

Two options for smaller tax increases have been prepared for council's consideration.

Deferral of the purchase of three light-duty response vehicles for the fire department and for one year holding back a $350,000 annual transfer to the fire apparatus reserve would lower the tax increase to 7.21 per cent.

A third option would pause the infrastructure levy for 2022, resume the commitment for 2023, and extend the program for an additional year, ending in 2024.

This would result in a proposed property tax increase of 5.31 per cent.

Council receive the recommendations on Monday and debate the budget at the end of the month.