Council to consider property tax increase to continue building local RCMP capacity

On January 12, 2021 Council will be considering the five (5) year financial plan which includes the 2021 budget. Council is being asked to consider a base tax increase of 2.0% along with budget items that were deferred in 2020 due to COVID-19 impacts, amounting to 1.49%. Council will deliberate the proposal and decide after considering community input throughout January and February.

For each 0.01% added to the budget - the average home will pay an additional $0.21 towards municipal services.

Municipalities in BC are governed by the Province and have a requirement to provide the community roads, water, waste water and policing.  Each year the District must have an approved budget that is linked to a five (5) year financial plan. The proposed yearly budget is linked to population growth as well as careful and thorough analysis of what the community requires throughout the calendar year. Council recognizes that road improvements are an important priority to many residents. The Transportation for Tomorrow plan continues to guide project prioritization. In 2021 the main priority will be the completion of road improvements along Bottom Wood Lake Road. In addition, substantial road improvements will be made to Okanagan Centre Road East between Jardines and Williams Road.

What makes up the 1.19% CPI?

Consumer Price Index also known as CPI, is used to measure the average cost change over time in the prices paid for goods and services; and accounts for inflation.

Why does Lake Country require additional RCMP officers?

In 2020 Council approved the cost of acquiring five (5) additional RCMP officers. Half the cost of the new officers was incorporated into the 2020 budget. Recently two new officers have been assigned to the Lake Country detachment. The second half of the cost (0.81%) will be a consideration for the 2021 budget. With the additional five (5) officers, once onboarded, the Lake Country detachment will eventually be able to provide 24-hour a day policing.  

What are the Parks and Recreation Cost Shortfalls?

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan was created to determine what new or improved parks and recreation infrastructure is needed, how it gets built, maintained, and replaced over time. As infrastructure ages, budget shortfalls have been identified and additional budget is required for extensive maintenance. Maintenance to the facilities is imperative to continually ensure safe operations of all community amenities throughout the District.

What is the Community Engagement Grant?

The grant if approved, would be available to not-for-profit and registered community groups that wish to undertake community projects. District funding would be enhanced by the organization providing private funding or in-kind services to contribute towards the project. Priority of application approval would be determined based on need, funding sources and projects that have been identified by the community as an imminent need and which align with District plans, strategic priorities, or policies as determined by Council.

What is the Traffic Calming and Road Safety Program?

Council adopted the new Traffic Calming and Road Safety Policy in 2019 which provides a process for dealing with traffic calming and road safety requests from the community. Funding would be used to enhance the safety of problematic areas throughout the community.

How are grant dollars being used in 2021?

Grants offered to municipalities throughout the year, must be applied for and if awarded are used to assist with offsetting costs for the specific projects they are related to. Grants include the Gas Tax which assists the District with road expenditures. Provincial and Federal grants awarded are used for specific projects, such as the Woodsdale Waterfront Park Site & Cultural Centre, which will be 73% funded by grants. $2.947 Million from the Province was transferred to the District to assist with revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19 impacts and will help cover the cost of infrastructure and operational items that would have required a higher tax increase overall.

What if there is an emergency – how are the cost covered?

Municipalities typically have three (3) months operating expenses in a reserve in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster. Currently the District has $3.1 million in a reserve to cover unexpected expenses. The goal is to increase this reserve to at least $3.6 Million over the next two (2) years.

Share your viewpoint

Council wants to hear what you think about the five (5) year financial plan and the 2021 budget. On January 12^th beginning at 7:00pm Council will review the proposed plan in detail at the Special Council Meeting, and you are invited to join virtually. On February 9^th join Council for a virtual town hall. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask questions and tell Council what your priorities are for Lake Country. Review the five (5) year financial plan, documents, important meeting dates, links, and to submit questions or comments visit Let’s Talk-Lake Country.

Stay informed

Receive updates directly sent to your inbox, as Council goes through the five (5) year financial plan and 2021 budget process. Subscribe at www.lakecountry.bc.ca/subscribe

2021 Financial Plan

January 12th Special Council Meeting Agenda