Revelstoke financial plan heads to public consultation

The City of Revelstoke is seeking public comment on the 2018 Draft Budget & Long-Term Financial Plan. The proposed plan is the first long-term (15-year) capital plan created by the city.

The proposed budget includes a 4.5% general tax increase for residential properties as well as a 5% increase in water and sewer rates and a 1.7% increase in rates for garbage service. Water, sewer and garbage rates were included in the Fees and Bylaw approved by council in November, 2017.

Click here for the Revelstoke Mountaineer 2018 City of Revelstoke financial plan overview story

“Council has been sensitive to property tax increases for many years, by keeping them as low as possible. Council has also been working to reduce the tax burden on the non-residential classes since 2010,” Tania McCabe, director of finance wrote in a report to council.

Read the draft budget public consultation document here:

City of Revelstoke 2018 Financial Plan public consultation document by Revelstoke Mountaineer on Scribd

At their Feb. 13 meeting, city council approved the draft budget to be sent for public review. The budget document highlighted a number of ‘non-core’ operating increases.

They include:

-The addition of a second building inspector, “to respond to the exponential increase in building permit processing as well as increased front counter inquiries and the increasing complexity of applications.”

-The addition of a civil technician in the engineering services department, “to allow staff to better respond to the increased volume and complexity of development as well as overseeing the development of asset and risk management plans and reduce the reliance on consultants.”

-Additional contracted services in the Community Economic Development Department “to improve response times to ongoing economic activities and to assist with the management of economic development projects.”

-Increased funding in the Parks, Recreation and Culture department for the Street Fest programming each summer.

A guide to the 2018 budget can be found here. A special budget consultation meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. at council. The community will have the opportunity to provide comments and feedback on the City’s draft 2018 budget and long-term financial plan.