Kamloops council finalizes financial plan, tax increase amid opposition from mayor

“I wonder if we have looked at having any management rollbacks, any cuts in numbers, if we have any councillor salary cutbacks, paid meals, using more union staff and less outside contractors for many projects? If we have looked at legal fee reductions?” questioned Hamer-Jackson.

The problem for the mayor was all of the issues he brought forward have already been discussed or answered by staff on multiple occasions during the months-long budget process, with Hamer-Jackson never receiving enough support around the table to move his initiatives forward.

“We are now simply looking to set the tax rate, so those questions have been asked and answered. They have been part of the conversation that created the budget we are currently adopting,” clarified CAO Byron McCorkell.

Despite raising his concerns, Hamer-Jackson had actually just voted in favour of the financial plan.

“(Agenda item) 6.3, which is the financial planning bylaw council just approved unanimously – that is the budget that contains all of the various spend items that you have just identified. Discussions have already occurred and been completed,” added Director of Corporate Service David Hallinan.

by Michael Reeve

Kamloops council finalizes financial plan, tax increase amid opposition from mayor

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