A planned 3.5 percent property tax increase in the 2019 financial plan is up for discussion in an budget open house prior to a council meeting tonight.
As outlined in a council report last week, the additional costs, if approved tonight, would require the town to raise an additional $295,000 in revenue for 2019, confirmed Sarah Jones, director of the townB次元官网网址檚 corporate administration.
ALSO READ: Colwood funds two West Shore RCMP officers, asking province to step up
Three items currently awaiting council approval are propelling the rate hike, including a $8,470 increase to the grant in aid account that will draw from the Elements Casino tax revenue.
Another item, the addition of a constable to the RCMP, is expected to cost $132,000, including overtime and training costs and is expected to be approved by the mayor.
ALSO READ: View Royal property tax increase a modest .47 per cent for 2017
Finally, the addition of a user-activated crossing signal on Atkins road that has received $20,000 for the project from the developer and is also up for council approval and could affect the current proposed hike.
ALSO READ: Property tax rates in View Royal leave little room for fire hall
The tax rates must be adopted before the May 15 deadline as outlined in the community charter.
The budget open house starts at 5 p.m. today at town hall.
swikar.oli@goldstreamgazette.com
