Delta council on Monday gave the thumbs-up to a proposed 2.9 per cent increase to the city’s portion of this year’s property tax bill.
The increase works out to $70 for the average home.
However, people whose homes saw an increase in assessed value last year that was greater than the average increase in Delta, will be paying more.
According to the finance department, the increase breaks down to 1.9 per cent for city services and one per cent towards the Parks Sustainable Infrastructure Funding and Neighbourhood Livability and Safety Improvements programs.
Combined with the $27 increase in the 2021 flat rate utility fees, the overall increase in Delta charges for the average residence is $97.
A report to council notes that in addition to city services, as well as inflationary costs, the budget also provides additional funding for enhanced sports field maintenance, housing planning studies, community resilience and economic recovery initiatives and emerging needs for vulnerable Delta residents.
The increase in general operating costs are partially offset by new taxation revenue from the city's growth and net increases in other non-tax revenue sources.
However, pandemic-related costs and revenue uncertainties for parks, recreation and culture fees, investment income and other sources are a concern for the city in 2021.
At a virtual town hall meeting earlier this month, Mayor George Harvie stressed the city has not had to resort to borrowing and that Delta’s “fiscal health has never been better.”
Also noting there are no cutbacks, Harvie assured that at least two playing fields will be improved annually.
He also said he’s hoping the annual Spring Clean-Up program can be back by 2022.
