City Council Preview: Tuesday, April 11, 2017

While they apparently couldn't find enough material to discuss in order to hold a Regular Council session last Monday, members of City Council will be in the Council Chamber tonight for a Special Session, though it most likely won't be a very long one, with but one item listed on the Agenda.

Council members will receive a report from Corinne Bomben, the City's Chief Financial Officer and then after discussion, providing there is any, Council will set in motion the process of adopting the 2017 Financial Plan and related Property Tax Bylaw for the year, with the final adoption to come later this month

In the Agenda Package (see here) for tonight is the background information from Ms. Bomben's report related to the Property Tax Bylaw, which will see the city's financial department recommend increasing the mill rate on taxation this year to 2.25% an change from the previous level of 1.5% that had been recommended during the Budget consultation period.

The City is making the case that the large volume of snow in February and March in the community has had an impact on the city's budget plans, noting that additional revenue is now required, allowing the City to be prepared should the fall provide for more surprises in the area of weather.

By increasing the mill rate on property taxation, some residents may see an increase in their tax bill for this year, though in their budget consultation period, Council did note that some property owners in the community may not see an increase at all or may even see a decrease.

That of course won't be determined until you receive your assessment notice prior to the July tax payment date.

The Special Regular Council session starts off for the evening with the adoption of agendas and minutes.

Following that requirement, the line up for the night looks as follows.

Reports and Recommendations is next on the Agenda listings.

Report from the Chief Financial Officer -- Recommendation that Council Direct Staff to incorporate the recommended mill rate increase of 2.25% into the 2017 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw and related 2017 Property Tax Bylaw, with both Bylaws to be presented to Council for consideration at a future date in April 2017 (Page 2 of the Agenda Package)

Council members will the adjourn their proceedings for the evening.

As it is listed as a Special Regular session, it should be open to the public and available for broadcast on Cable Ten and through the city's online stream.

The Live broadcast of the City Council session can be found here, a video archive of past sessions is available here.

North Coast Review Items for the April 11, 2017 Special Regular Session of Council

April 7 -- With Special Session set for Tuesday, City Council to consider increasing mill rate for 2017 to 2.25 percent

For more items related to City Council discussions see our Council Discussion page

While our archive of all sessions for 2017 for Council is available here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review