Municipal property taxes in the Township of Spallumcheen will go up in 2016.
Council has given three readings to its five-year financial plan which features a 2.5 per cent increase on the municipal portion of tax collection.
“That will mean approximately a $76 increase for the average home owner,” said township chief financial officer Amy Vienneau.
The average priced home in Spallumcheen, based on 2016 figures, is $275,213.
The budget will cover the township’s portion of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Hall expansion project.
The five-year plan is expected to be adopted at the next regular council meeting.
Committee support
Council is backing its agriculture advisory committee by supporting and sending on its behalf comments to Emergency Management B.C. in regards to proposed changes to the Emergency Program Act.
The committee feels there should be special consideration in the new act to allow farmers with substantial farm operations the option to allow them to enter and re-enter evacuation zones if their operation requires their presence for the protection of their livestock, and to operate irrigation systems to minimize potential farm losses.
“The wording seems responsible as long as there is no liability from our end,” said Coun. Christine Fraser.
Added Coun. Todd York: “It only makes sense to go back and want to take care of the livestock.”