Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

KAMLOOPS PROVISIONAL BUDGET

Public feedback needed ahead of 2024 City of Kamloops budget finalization

Nov 28, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops’ mayor and city councillors sat down to take an early look at 2024 budget estimations this week — with a looming provisional increase figure of 10.8 per cent.

It’s early days in the budget process but Councillor Nancy Bepple says the final tax rate hike will likely be higher than five per cent.

“Hopefully it’s not 10.8, but it is going to be larger than what people have traditionally experienced in Kamloops,” Bepple told CFJC Today.

A large part of the potential tax impact comes from contract-related increases to wages — for firefighters, RCMP and CUPE staff. Councillor Katie Neustaeter reiterates that some of those upcoming contract changes are being provincially and federally driven.

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“Those things are non-negotiable, which puts the city in a really challenging position, especially when you look at the things we need to achieve, and the economic pinch that we’re all experiencing right now,” said Neustaeter.

The other budgetary consideration is how to bring in necessary facility expansions outlined in the Build Kamloops plan.

“We have to really listen to the community on that,” said Bepple, adding council needs to get more public feedback about where the money should be spent before any final decisions are made. “But what I’ve heard so far is ice rinks, swimming pools, seniors centres, so those would be ones I would really expect to be coming forward — but we’re still gathering information.”

For city staff, mayor and council, it will be a balancing act between making sure the growing population has the services, infrastructure and amenities it needs, and recognizing concerns around paying more property taxes.

“I specifically hope residents will talk to us about the Build Kamloops factor,” noted Neustaeter. “How they want to see us achieve those things that need to be done, those facilities that need to be built, and what that could look like beyond taxation, as well.”

According to Neustaeter, it’s not just Kamloops who will be tasked with navigating a sizable tax increase, as many other municipalities across the country are facing similar budget challenges.

“We’ll see what we can do to adjust that, and to make sure we are caring for residents.”

For anyone interested in learning more or asking questions about next year’s tax rate, the city will host a public budget meeting on Thursday, November 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Sandman Centre.