After taking into consideration all public comments and department presentations from City staff, at a Special Council Budget Meeting on January 22, 2014, Council resolved to have staff prepare two budget scenarios for their consideration. The scenarios are to include;

• 2% (cost of living) tax increase for Residential with a 1% tax increase for Business
• 2% (cost of living) tax increase for Residential with a 0% tax increase for Business

The first scenario would result in an overall 1.9% increase in taxation over 2013.

The business sector has seen an average increase of about 1.5% a year over the last 3 years while residential taxes have increased by an average of about 3.3% over the same time period, resulting in a gradual shift of the tax burden on the residential sector.

Although the original budget schedule targeted January 28th regular meeting, an additional week is required to address this new mandate.

Council directed staff to identify cost savings in each department and to present a series of reductions that would ultimately lead to a balanced budget with some money set aside for reserves.

Council reiterated a strong public sentiment to maintain service levels while continuing to find ways to provide those services more cost effectively. Council also recommended service levels for a balanced economy and growth of a resort municipality with the lifestyle that the community expects.

Mayor David Raven stated that “The City of Revelstoke has a strong management team with the expertise and knowledge to deliver what Council has requested. The City has had several successive years of increased non core services and at the same time pruning away at core services.”

The current draft budget presented addresses many key fiscal accomplishments including no new long term general debt after 2014, reserves and surpluses increasing and operating expenses increasing within 1% - 2% range per year. These additional reductions will not affect the progress in these areas. Staff will also endeavor to minimize impacts on service levels.

Council committed to reviewing service levels in 2014 to ensure they continue to meet the overall public expectations within prudent financial constraints.

Council will consider the options from staff at a special meeting scheduled for February 4, 2014.

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For Further Information Contact;
Graham Inglis, Director of Finance, 250-837-2161or
David Raven, Mayor, 250-837-2911