Scott Stanfield
Record staff
At a special meeting Monday, Courtenay council adopted a bylaw for a four per cent property tax increase.
The yearly tax increase for an average property valued at $301,500 is estimated at $48.
The average increase to a commercial property worth $689,600 is estimated at $184.
Two per cent of tax revenue will support general operations, 1.5 per cent infrastructure renewal and .5 per cent capital projects.
Council also adopted the 2016-2020 financial plan bylaw.
Federal funds will enable a ‘Complete Streets’ project scheduled over the next four years. The City also hopes to secure about $2 million in government funds to help paint the Fifth Street Bridge — a $3.7 million project slated for 2017.
Asset management planning is a top priority of the City, which is implementing various organizational changes, and improvements to operations and maintenance to ensure it is ready for future infrastructure renewal needs.
Before adopting the budget, council had considered public input from the Citizen’s Budget Survey, which focussed on services supported by property taxes and utility user fees.
The City received just two emails from the public about a draft of the five-year financial plan.
Patio for pub?
At its May 16 meeting, Courtenay council will consider an application for an outdoor patio from Billy D’s Pub & Bistro.
Pending council approval, the patio would be located on the sidewalk in front of the Fifth Street establishment.
As part of the application process, council needs to provide a resolution to the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to address the potential for noise, and the impact on the community and nearby residents.
Council also needs to consider input from the community before making a decision.