Budget bolstered by nearly $5-million in COVID funds

The B.C. government is cutting the City of Vernon a cheque for $4,997,000 in federal/provincial funds under the “COVID-19 safe restarts grants for local governments.”

The money is part of a multi-billion dollar fund to help local governments, Translink and B.C. Ferries weather the pandemic.

The money was reported as pre-budget talk documents were presented to Vernon City Council on Monday.

“The budget proposal is for an overall increase of 4.47 per cent,” Debra Law, director of financial services with City of Vernon said.

The number includes a 1.79 per cent increase in departmental spending, 0.43 per cent in already approved tax funded requests. 0.35 per cent in proposed tax funded requests and the ongoing 1.9 per cent capital works infrastructure levy.

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Following an ambitious 2020 infrastructure spend of $18.6-million dollars, 2021 is forecast to be just as busy with 37 projects proposed at nearly $19-million. The largest project calls for $3.4-million for a Silver Star Road multi-use path

Vernon Council will spend two days debating the 2021 budget on November 30th and December 1st.