Port Coquitlam eyes 5.8% hike
Port Coquitlam homeowners can expect a municipal tax increase of 5.8% this year if council approves the financial plan presented Monday night.
The uptick works out to an average of $99 per property owner for a budget staff said is the first step toward putting the city on sustainable financial footing.
“I think this is a positive step forward,” said Mindy Smith, the director of corporate services. “We went through each department’s budget with our core service review and we are trying to do as much as we can with as little as possible.”
Utility rates, set by Metro Vancouver, are also climbing approximately $40 per homeowner for a combined average increased cost of $139 from last year’s municipal tax and utility bill.
The financial plan also takes some preliminary steps toward addressing the growing infrastructure gap, an issue with which municipalities from across the country have been grappling.
In the past, Smith said, the city has worked to keep its tax rate as low as possible. This left a growing gap for replacing roads and bridges, an issue that if not addressed could leave future generations with a large tab for replacement costs. Smith said Port Coquitlam is making decisions now that will ease the financial impact of infrastructure replacement in the future.
An extra percentage of taxation, which works out to about $440,000, is being dedicated to infrastructure repair and maintenance to prolong the life of the city’s roads and bridges.
While the city is doing what it can to prepare for the expense, Smith said higher levels of government will likely have to step in and help with the funding issues.
Last summer Port Coquitlam put forward a resolution to the Union of B.C. Municipalities calling on the provincial and federal governments to help with funding to bridge the growing infrastructure gap.
“Most of our cities were built 40 years ago... and they have a certain lifetime to them,” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore at the time. “If we don’t plan for it now we will put future city councils in a tough situation.”
Port Coquitlam has approximately $800 million in infrastructure assets, including the $135 million Coast Meridian Overpass.
DISCOUNT OFFERED
Low-income seniors and people with disabilities will likely get a break on their utility bills this year after council voted in favour of a bylaw that would give those in need a discount on their rates.
While the new measure does not bring back the seniors’ discount that was once in place, those living within a certain income threshold will get a break.
“I think we have progress here,” said Coun. Brad West. “Some may not see it as perfect but we got a discount that is going to help people in real need.”
Coun. Sherry Carroll echoed West’s comments saying the measures put in place by the current council is a good compromise. She added it is difficult for many seniors living on their government pensions to pay their bills and that the discount would be a helpful break for many PoCo residents.
IN PERSON
An open house is set for Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Port Coquitlam Sports Complex (2150 Wilson Avenue). This informal setting will help the public learn more about the city’s finances and plans. City staff and council members will be attending and there will also be displays on city services.
ONLINE
An online survey will also be available for input from Jan. 25 to Feb. 11 at portcoquitlam.ca/budget to get property owners’ opinions on city spending and potential areas for reductions. Business plans that guide the budget process are also available at the website and input can be emailed to budget@portcoquitlam.ca