By David Wiwchar

Double-digit tax increase possible

Feb 13, 2024 | 8:20 AM

City of Port Alberni taxpayers should prepare for a double-digit tax increase this year.

Finance Director Andrew McGifford says the budget increase initially came in at 26% before staff whittled it down to its current 17%.

Mayor Sharie Minions said the city is facing an automatic 13% increase in fixed costs this year.

“So much of this budget this year is just status quo and that was just as a result of RCMP cost increasing and other staff costs that are negotiated and just cost of living increases that we feel the impacts of just like residents do with fuel prices, and Hydro and all of those things,” she said. “All of the costs that are putting pressure on taxpayers are also putting pressure on us as a municipality, because we are not exempt from those cost increases so it is going to be a difficult budget year and we’re going to work very hard to see what changes we can make but very much we’re looking at what does the community need in order to grow and thrive long-term more than anything.”

City Council passed first reading of the 2024 budget and 5-year financial plan yesterday.

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The next opportunity for the public to ask budget questions of council is Tuesday February 20th at a Committee of the Whole meeting.