Small increases the new norm, says mayor

ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 municipal taxes have crept up about 2.8 per cent, but in dollars and cents most homeowners wonB次元官网网址檛 pay more than last year.

In 2010, Colwood homeowners paid an average $1,370 in municipal tax, based on a home assessment of $474,000.

Colwood planned its new budget so this yearB次元官网网址檚 average property, assessed at $498,000 B次元官网网址� a five per cent increase in value B次元官网网址� will continue to only pay $1,370 in taxes.

B次元官网网址淥bviously we canB次元官网网址檛 say nobody will see an increase, because thereB次元官网网址檚 always variation in assessed value,B次元官网网址� explained acting director of finance Jennifer Reed. B次元官网网址淧eople whose homes increased more than five per cent will pay more.B次元官网网址�

But after the last two years of steep tax increases B次元官网网址� a 16 per cent hike in 2009 and nine per cent last year B次元官网网址� Colwood is finally seeing some relief.

Mayor Dave Saunders says lower tax increases in the municipality are expected to become the new normal.

B次元官网网址淎fter some tough years, we have our financial house in order,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 only going to improve from here.B次元官网网址�

The previous yearsB次元官网网址� increases came after the 243-hectare industrial land in Royal Bay was reclassified as residential and commercial, leaving a $1.2 million hole in the City budget.

Since then the City has rezoned many properties to avoid a similar disaster. Land in the core with potential for high density development has been zoned as such, so itB次元官网网址檚 assessed at a higher value and contributes more to the cityB次元官网网址檚 budget.

Saunders is also working towards getting more out of federally-owned properties, including Royal Roads University and Department of National Defense land in Belmont Park, where the government offers payment in lieu of tax.

B次元官网网址淲e need to make sure the payment is in line with what other municipalities get,B次元官网网址� Saunders said. B次元官网网址淩ight now we donB次元官网网址檛 think weB次元官网网址檙e getting a fair amount, and weB次元官网网址檝e started the process of challenging that.B次元官网网址�

ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 overall 2011 budget is $13.5 million, and includes payments into reserves which werenB次元官网网址檛 made in previous years. As well, the City is investing more in itB次元官网网址檚 fire station for equipment upgrades and to hire a full-time assistant fire chief.

The amount budgeted for grants to community groups was cut in half. But contributions were still made to two crisis helplines, veterans housing at Cockrell House, Volunteer Victoria and for organizing Canada Day celebrations.

The budget also includes $8,800 to cover the CityB次元官网网址檚 cost of the Solar Colwood project, including debt interest and non-refundable portions of sales tax.

B次元官网网址淲e took a hard line to keep down new costs. Like other levels of governments we had to cut back grants, and many departments didnB次元官网网址檛 get the staffing increases they requested,B次元官网网址� Saunders said. B次元官网网址淭hat will change as the economy rebounds.B次元官网网址�

Property tax payments are due July 4. Late payments will be subject to a 10 per cent penalty.

If you have not received your property tax notice in the mail, contact the CityB次元官网网址檚 finance department at 250-478-5999.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com