A tax hike is written in stone for Vernon residents.
Council adopted the 2017 budget Monday, including a 3.58 per cent tax increase.
“It’s not as good as what I wanted but I’m not unhappy with it,” said Coun. Bob Spiers of the financial plan.
“It’s almost as low as it could go.”
Coun. Juliette Cunningham is pleased with the outcome of the budget process.
“We sharpened our pencils pretty good,” she said.
However, Cunningham admits no one likes to pay more taxes.
“We know it will have an impact on residents. It’s hard to avoid that.”
The 3.6 per cent tax increase includes 1.9 per cent for infrastructure.
On a related note, the city was able to access a number of grants from outside agencies.
Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, the city has received $244,282.60 in grants and a number are still outstanding.
“These grants have supported or augmented several city initiatives including tourism promotion; recreation services; alternative modes of travel; city storm water and stream health assessment; Canada Day celebrations; and vital community infrastructure,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, communications officer, in a report.