2015 Budget Approved
Three public Budget Meetings have been held by council in the past two months. The first draft council considered represented a potential tax increase of 5% ($34,632.24). It was the consensus of council that the figure was too high, and through each meeting the budget was reviewed line by line and slowly but surely reduced. Through considerable discussion and hearty debate, the final draft was approved during Monday night’s meeting at a 4.15% ($28,757.09) increase in tax dollars collected.
Final tax implications for various properties can’t be forecast to the exact figure as the final assessment roll has not yet been received from BC Assessment. Further examples of the tax implications for this increase to the average resident and business will be presented to council and the public at the April 13 council meeting.
Collection Of Delinquent Tax Rolls To Be
Actively Pursued
It was reported that there is currently a process in place for all properties for the collection of delinquent taxes and utilities which roll over to taxes owing at the beginning of each new year.
Mobile homes in mobile home parks are exempt from this process because they do not own the land they are on.
Council has directed staff to begin actively pursuing collection on these delinquent accounts. All owners will be given notification that if payment or payment arrangements have not been made with the district within 30 days, their account will be sent to a collection agency.
Community Hall Kitchen To Be Updated
Within the 2015 Budget, council approved the request from the Lion’s Club to upgrade the district-owned building known as the Lion’s Hall with a kitchen that will meet certified kitchen status. The amount approved was for $23,000 with the majority coming from Gas Tax funds, meaning this expenditure resulted in no municipal tax implications to the community.
The upgrade will permit the kitchen to be rented and used by those who require a certified kitchen to meet Interior Health Guidelines. The Lion’s Club currently maintains the building, and has completed many improvements over the years from money raised in the community.
Bannister Road Use Restricted
The small lane linking Genier and Bradford Roads, will be closed off to through traffic with a locked gate. The lane way known as Bannister Road, is reportedly not developed to road standards and is heavily used by neighborhood children either walking or on bicycles. However, the lane way will still remain usable by emergency vehicles and will provide access to the rear of the properties immediately adjacent to it.
Mayor Attends Barriere And Kamloops
Chamber Of Commerce Luncheons
Mayor Smith was the guest speaker at the recent Barriere and District Chamber of Commerce luncheon. She also attended a luncheon hosted by the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce where Ministers Terry Lake and Todd Stone were in attendance. The Mayor invited both Ministers to visit Barriere again soon to discuss matters that pertain to the community.