One of the driving factors behind the tax spike discussed at last night’s (Monday’s) City Council meeting was the RCMP contract, which would give RCMP members retroactive pay back to 2017.
According to the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit’s report, the RCMP contract is estimated to be about $2.4-million more in 2022 than it was.
Council requested two reports from city staff of options to lower the tax increase for information.
One of which would lower the Policing Services Budget by $1-million. According to Director of Public Safety, the million dollar cut would result in five less RCMP members in Prince George.
“I think it’s really important that we turn over every stone,” said Councillor Cori Ramsay.
“I’m not saying we’re going to reduce the RCMP budget by a million dollars, but I would like council to see what that additional million dollars, that additional million dollars we’re asking taxpayers to pay looks like.”
The other report asks about cutting other expenses to reduce the hike to 4.37%.
“I’m reading that as, each area will have low hanging fruit, and the low hanging fruit may be terrible things to have to pluck off but that’s what it is,” said Councillor Garth Frizzell.
Budget council meetings are scheduled for January 24th and if required, January 26th.
Other items discussed at last night’s meeting included the Downtown Arts Strategy, Miracle Theatre renting the Playhouse, and Event Restrictions in Northern Health.