Property Tax Hikes Minimal in Lumby

Lumby residents will see virtually no property tax increase this coming year.

The budget was introduced to the Committee of the Whole Wednesday night and it calls for a 1.18 per cent hike.

New growth taxes will take care of the increase, but Mayor Kevin Acton says utility use hikes for water and sewer customers will cost the average property owner another $42 a year.

“Water and sewer rates are going to be about a $21 dollar a year rate increase per household each and as far as the tax goes, it won’t be a lot.”

Lumby will still commit $1.64 million to capital projects like replacing aging civic equipment and a couple of major infrastructure projects according to Mayor Acton.

“We’re going to finish the water project out to the industrial park. We have some major sidewalk repairs that need to be done and some work to do on bridges for our new Salmon Trail.”

Acton says council is thrilled they’ve been able to keep things in check.

“The departments have really sharpened their pencils and the guys really take care of their equipment, while the office staff does a great job to keep things to a minimum. It’s a really good budget.”

Lumby will collect $2.5 million in taxation but only $868-thousand will be retained by the Village for capital works projects.