Comox council has approved a tax rate of 8.85 per cent for residential properties within the town for 2023, resulting in more than a $100 increase on average per household.
At the April 19 council meeting, council unanimously approved the rate.
Coun. Ken Grant noted he felt council could stand behind the increase, and could use an upcoming $4.6 million from the B.C. government’s Growing Communities Fund to help pay down the town’s infrastructure debt.
“I really hope we do that to limit the potential tax increases in the coming years,” he said and explained when residents receive their tax bills, they will also be required to pay for other authorities such as hospital and policing fees.
In his report to council, Jordan Wall, the town’s chief administrative officer noted council will receive an additional $3 million toward the capital cost of projects along the conveyance route as well as the $4.6 million.
Wall recommended council consider these funds for future capital replacements during the May 10 strategic planning meeting which will see council presented with financial options for closing the town’s infrastructure deficit.
Within the same discussion, council also approved recruiting and hiring an additional permanent full-time corporate services staff member in 2023.
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