The Kelowna City Council has set the tax increase for the 2021 provisional budget at a lower rate than originally proposed.
The council deliberated on budget requests during a full-day session on Thursday before agreeing on a total tax increase of 4.04% versus the proposed 4.27%.
For Kelowna residents who own a single family home, the 4.04% jump is $ 85 more annually.
Based on the council’s # KelownaBudget discussions, a tax increase of 4.04% is proposed for 2021. This is an increase of $ 85 for an average. Detached house in #Kelowna. Visit https://t.co/ePbhHXQpx5 for more information. pic.twitter.com/eItly7wWzV
– City of Kelowna (@cityofkelowna) December 11, 2020
Community security is the largest operating budget investment for 2021 at $ 38.6 million. 14 new security positions were added on an investment of $ 43.6 million.
These 14 positions consist of eight new RCMP members and six civilian support staff.
The largest capital investment for 2021 will be in maintaining essential services and renewing existing assets of $ 33.4 million.
This includes road renewal (USD 4.4 million), sewer pipe and sewer renewal (USD 3.7 million), and numerous park and facility improvements (Knox Mountain Park and City Park, City Hall, Downtown Parkades, Rutland Arena) .
In 2021, $ 12.7 million will be invested in the acquisition, development, and improvement of parks for parks such as Pandosy Waterfront Park, Kerry Park, Tower Ranch Park, and others.
In addition to investments in essential services, security and neighborhoods, the 2021 budget includes:
- We invest nearly $ 600,000 in supporting programs and initiatives that address complex social issues so that we can build on being a socially responsible and inclusive community. This includes expanding support for the Journey Home strategy through 2023, funding housing reviews for people with complex needs, and supporting temporary outdoor shelters.
- Take action to manage the effects of climate change and protect our environment with nearly $ 3 million to support Mill Creek’s flood control efforts, introduce low-carbon initiatives, upgrade energy, establish greenhouse gas (greenhouse gas) modeling, and Hire an environmental guide to review the current state of the art guidelines and recommendations in support of current efforts.
- New $ 1.9 million transportation investment to ensure our growing community gets around safely and has access to a variety of transportation options. We will connect the Okanagan Rail Trail to the Waterfront Park and expand active transport corridors and bike networks.
The council will now try to approve the final budget in May.
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