Kamloops council, staff vow to target zero tax increase for 2021
KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops will work toward a zero per cent property tax increase in 2021 based on the direction of city council.
At Tuesday’s (Aug. 25) regular council meeting, staff presented a few options — cut taxes and services or maintain services and increase taxes. Council unanimously voted to keep tax increases as close to zero as possible. Revenue losses and a slight increase in expenses have resulted in a $3.5 million deficit since the pandemic emerged in March.
“This is the beginning. In my mind, we’re in a marathon and we’re just out of the starting gates,” said councillor Mike O’Reilly. “We really do have to tighten our belts.”