The Regional District of Central Kootenay board unanimously adopted its 2015-19 financial plan today. The plan continues to manage the surplus and reserve balances in each of the RDCK’s 160-plus services.
The general administration service will increase by four per cent from 2014, while rural administration will remain the same as 2014.
The board has also changed how water service charges are allocated, resulting in an increase of in all water system user fees, which it says reflects the true costs of operating, maintaining and delivering safe, potable water to RDCK residents.
Denver Siding will see the largest increase of $349, partially due to repairs after damage to the water system in 2014. South Slocan, however, will see no increase as they had more funds in their budget, according to chief administrator Stuart Horn.
Directors discussed the increases before adopting them today.
“Water users need to see the real costs,” said East Shore director Garry Jackman.
“We need to take the bullet now,” said rural Creston director Larry Binks, rather than having an even larger increase a year later.
Some rural areas saw tax increases due to the establishment of new services.
Total taxation for the district is approximately $24 million.
“The RDCK thanks those residents who attended our public meetings to review the financial plan and provide valuable input,” said chair Karen Hamling.
The full financial plan will be available at rdck.ca on March 31.