City eyes 7.23% tax increase

Prince George City Council will begin with budget discussions at tomorrow’s (Monday) meeting.

According to a report to council, the city is currently proposing a 7.23 per cent tax increase.

The report, prepared by Director of Finance and IT Services Kris Dalio, said the proposed increase is $8,806,750.

“The proposed taxation increase for 2023 is required to maintain core services levels and funding for contractual commitments,” the report reads.

“The 2023 budget represents a full “return to normal” budget with the new Canfor Leisure Pool being the last of the recreation services to be added back after the pandemic.”

The proposed 7.23 per cent increase would account for a $7,439,751 increase in the general tax levy, as well as a $150,000 increase for the Infrastructure Reinvestment tax levy, a $400,000 increase for the snow control tax levy, and a $600,000 increase for the road rehab levy.

The city previously received a $6.11 million Safe Restart Grant from the Province, which could be used to reduce the tax increase.

According to the report, approximately $2.8 million of the grant remains, which, if all of that is used to lower the tax increase, could bring it down to 4.82 per cent.

Members of the public will also be given the opportunity for input in-person or by phone from 3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m..

They can also provide written submissions by emailing [email protected].

The full agenda for the meeting can be found here.