Unfortunately, my first report to you in the Langley Free Press has to be about, what I believe is, bad news.
Your new Township Council approved a draft budget today recommending a 5.6% tax increase in 2006 and an 8.95% tax increase in 2007.
In real numbers, this is a 14.55% increase over 2 years (add 5.6% to 8.95%).
In the Special (Budget Workshop) Meeting of Council today, Council was given 4 different cost scenarios to choose from. They overwhelmingly chose the most expensive one (Option D). Only myself and Councillors Fox and Vickberg opposed this motion.
This means that the Township’s tax impact on the typical household will rise from $1707 in 2005 to $1946 in 2007. (This does not include GVRD, Translink or School Board taxes). Please note that the average Township property paid $1416 in 2000.
If there’s any good news in this story, it’s that you the taxpayers will be given an opportunity to voice your concerns. Council also decided today to have open houses on the budget and to commission a survey. Please voice your opinions in the new year.
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