Wednesday April 12, 2023 | SOOKE, BC [Updated 7:45 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
After receiving input from the community and Council conducting their service-level review, the District of Sooke has prepared their 2023-2027 five-year financial plan.
The plan identifies a property tax increase of approximately $100 per year for district services or about 6.99% higher than last year.
That increase is based on the average residential property assessment, or $8.33 per month for 2023.
Key projects in 2023 and 2024:
Key projects as outlined by the District of Sooke include:
- Increased police and fire resources to decrease call response times;
- Charters Corridor Capital Project;
- Church Road Roundabout Capital Project;
- Little River Crossing (DeMamiel Creek Pedestrian Bridge) Capital Project;
- Ravens Ridge Park Recreation Amenities Capital Project including an accessible viewing area with seating and picnic tables, accessible parking, bleachers, small multi-purpose grass playing fields, 3 on 3 basketball court, and considerable landscaping;
- Road maintenance; and
- Streetlight and transit stop improvements.
Capital project works will span from 2023 to 2024, the municipality says.
Public drop-in April 19:
The public is invited to learn more about the District’s budget and the work planned for the year ahead at a Community Open House taking place at Sooke Municipal Hall, 2205 Otter Point Road, on Wednesday April 19, 2023 from 2 to 7 pm.
Anyone with questions ahead of time may email to budget@sooke.ca.
Cost pressures:
“Everyone is facing cost pressures and Council is looking to reduce the financial impact on residents while still responding to the needs of a growing community,” said Mayor Maja Tait as she spoke to the budget earlier this year during Council’s service-level review.
“Where we’re hearing numerous municipalities are sitting at an increase that would cost households two-to-three times, even more, keeping a district property increase in line with inflation and below $100 is a priority,” said Tait in a news release today.
Why attend:
Sooke residents are encouraged to attend the drop-in information session. The District gives these reasons why:
- Understand how your tax dollars are invested
- Learn more about how your local government operates to support your day-to-day needs
- Gain knowledge about the limitations of the District’s budget
- Ask questions of staff and get to know the people of the organization
- Enjoy light refreshments
===== DISTRICT of SOOKE LINKS:
- Let’s Talk Budget: letstalk.sooke.ca/budget
- 2023 Budget Information Brief
- Financial Planning Information Page
- Budget 2023 Update (March 23, 2023): Council Reduces District Property Tax Increase (of Budget Under Development) By 2.35%
- Budget 2023 Update (February 24, 2023): Initial Consideration Given to Police and Fire Staff Resources, and Climate Action
- Budget 2023 Update (February 17, 2023): Citizen Budget Survey – What We Heard Report Now Available
