Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
(File photo/Vernon Matters Staff)
2024 budget

Coldstream ratepayers facing 9.7% tax hike

Feb 5, 2024 | 5:00 AM

Numerous factors are contributing to a projected 9.7 per cent tax increase for Coldstream property owners this year.

District staff said it means the typical single family home would pay $155 more for the year, or $1,747 in municipal tax.

The district’s director of financial administration, Jeremy Sundin, said the current budget year has been ‘exceptionally difficult” in terms of operations and the resulting tax increase.

“Nearly half the 2024 tax increase is attributed to factors outside of council’s control, such as police contract increases and general inflation. Other considerations such the temporary tax relief in 2023, loss of daycare revenue, and new shared mapping software were past decisions of council that [are] setting in for 2024,” Sundin said in a report to council.

Sundin added just 12 per cent of this year’s tax hike has been at the current/recent discretion of council. He said that includes support to Restorative Justice and Living Lakes Canada, an increased legal/consulting budget to help address risks faced by the district, and paid-on-call fire department pay equity.

He said it all added up to the 9.7 per cent net municipal tax increase.

“Although administration would not expect this to be welcomed by residents and property owners, it is the reality faced by the district to operate as a viable local government and respond to present and forecasted needs of the community,” Sundin wrote.

According to BC Assessment, the typical single-family home in Coldstream increased by 4 per cent to $922,000 in 2024.

The director’s report, and his recommendation for council to give the financial plan bylaw first reading, will be discussed at a special meeting of council Monday, Feb. 5.

View Comments