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January 26, 2017 - 11:00 AM
WEST KELOWNA -
Draft 2017-2026 Financial Plan
Council began its detailed review of the Draft 2017-2026 Financial Plan which includes a 3% tax increase. Prior year’s tax increases are as follows:
· 2016 - 3.00%
· 2015 - 2.70%
· 2014 - 2.95%
· 2013 - 2.95%
· 2012 - 3.00%
· 2011 - 2.24%
The approximate cost of a 3% tax increase on a West Kelowna home valued at $400,000 is $45.
Growth is projected to be 1.46% based on preliminary information received from BC Assessment. A final number will be provided when the completed roll is provided on March 31, 2017. Growth was budgeted to be 1% and the additional .46% would equate to an additional $129,490 tax dollars.
New staff supported in the draft 2017 budget are:
· 2 RCMP members
· a Help Desk Technician Assistant
· a Bylaw/Business License Clerk
· a Recreation & Culture Supervisor
· a Building Supervisor/Manager
· a Plan Checker/Planner 1
· a Utility Operator III
· 6 new summer students to work in engineering, roads, parks
The Draft 10-Year Capital Plan includes $23.1 million in capital expenditures in 2017. Proposed projects for the coming year include:
· Boucherie Road Wine Trail Phase 2 - $4.6 million
· Roundabout at Boucherie & Hudson Roads - $350,000
· Boucherie Road water main replacement - $1.25 million
· Shannon Lake Bridge replacement - $1.1 million
· Bridge Maintenance Program - $666,000
· Road Rehabilitation Program - $1 million
· Westbank water storage upgrades - $630,000
· Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvement Program - $600,000
· Computer systems disaster recovery/redundancy - $400,000
· Sports field lighting - $371,000
· Fire rescue squad truck - $300,000
· Willow Park bank stabilization - $300,000
· Rosealee Lane drainage improvements - $250,000
· Anders Park Tennis Court lighting - $220,000
· Walkway repairs - $200,000
· Back-up generator for pump stations - $175,000
· Green Bay drainage improvements - $150,000
· Klein Road drainage improvements - $150,000
· Sport court for Shannon Lake Tennis Court - $125,000
· Water leak detection program - $100,000
· Emergency generator for Fire Hall No. 31 - $75,000
· Recreation Programming and Facilities Mater Plan - $75,000
· Boiler replacement at Jim Lind Arena - $60,000
· Wild Horse Park upgrades - $80,000
· Playground upgrades at Vineyard Park - $50,000
Council will consider Grants In Aid at an upcoming Council meeting.
Talk Budget With Council Open House
Council will host a public open house to present the draft 2017-2026 Financial Plan to residents. The event will be held Wednesday, February 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Westbank Library, in the Westridge Mall, 31 – 2484 Main Street, West Kelowna.
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