Enderby residents will face a modest tax hike in 2016 but will get savings on water rates.
Council approved a 0.69 per cent tax hike as it gave three readings to its five-year financial plan bylaw.
That means, for the average home in Enderby, taxes will go up $12.69.
“The 2016 budget challenges include capital initiatives, aging infrastructure, and higher construction and utility costs,” states a report on the five-year plan to council.
“With these challenges, department budgets continue to strive for operational efficiency while balancing the diverse service needs of the public with stewardship of public assets.”
The plan notes that user fee adjustments are determined by analyzing cost changes and assessing the community’s ability to pay.
In 2016, Enderby’s water user fees have decreased by 5.13 per cent and sewer user fees have gone up 0.14 per cent.
That means a savings in water fees of $19.50 for the average single family home, and a sewer user fee bump of $0.38.
“We’re happy with that,” said Mayor Greg McCune.
The budget is expected to be adopted at the next regular council meeting.
Back to the
drawing board
An appliction to rezone a property on Salmon Arm Drive from residential single to residential apartment/multi-family has been returned to the applicant for tweaking
There was quite a bit of opposition to the application.
“Neighbours are concerned about sight lines, height of any potenial new development and traffic,” said McCune.
The applicant is proposing to continue to use the subject property for a single family dwelling, but the purpose of the rezoning application is to provide a more flexible range of permitted residential housing forms should the applicant wish to redevelop or sell the property.
Requests granted
Council unanimously approved a couple of requests of city hall.
The Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Parent Association requested the use of city hall’s parking lot on Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a bottle drive fundraiser.
The Enderby and District Arts Council applied for a temporary road closure on Saturday, July 23, for the Enderby Arts Festival.
The festival will see Cliff Avenue from George Street to Vernon Street, and Belvedere Street from Cliff Avenue to Mill Avenue, closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.