Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / The City of Chilliwack released its 2023 Financial Plan Tuesday (Dec. 20) in which it calls for three additional RCMP officers, two more firefighters, and additional bylaw enforcement officers to deal with those experiencing homelessness.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

City of Chilliwack

City’s 2023 Financial Plan adds more RCMP officers and firefighters, with 4.48% property tax increase

Dec 21, 2022 | 7:50 AM

CHILLIWACK — The City of Chilliwack plans to beef up on its roster of public safety personnel in its 2023 Financial Plan, accompanied by an anticipated property tax increase of 4.48 per cent in the coming year.

An even greater emphasis on public safety will be integrated into the 2023 Financial Plan from the City of Chilliwack as finance staff craft a budget meant to incorporate an increase of only essential public safety personnel at this point.

Chilliwack City Council gave the 2023 Financial Plan from city staff a first and second reading at its meeting on Tuesday afternoon (December 20), as city staff move forward with a budget that reflects council’s interest in prioritizing public safety.

The budget document as presented by Glen Savard, director of finance for the City of Chilliwack, funds three additional RCMP officers, an additional RCMP support position, two more firefighters, and two additional bylaw officers who will focus on those experiencing homelessness, in 2023.

The City of Chilliwack is required by the provincial government to prepare a financial plan that undergoes adoption annually, by bylaw, before any annual property tax bylaw is adopted.

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The Financial Plan authorizes a property tax increase of 4.48 per cent to fund council objectives, like additional public safety personnel.

Savard cited a number of adverse factors in presenting the Financial Plan to council, including the impact that inflation has had on even the City of Chilliwack.

“Continued supply chain disruptions and high levels of inflation within the local and global economies has had a significant impact upon the City’s 2023 Financial Plan,” Savard wrote in his staff report to councillors. “Municipalities across the region, province and country have seen costs rise in relation to materials, supplies, projects, labour, contracted services and general service delivery; our city is facing these challenges no differently. While cost increases and inflationary pressures are encountered in many areas of the municipality’s operational and capital budgets each year, the current economic landscape has added increased budgetary influence.”

Savard pinpointed one area where the City is absorbing a substantial increase in costs, particularly the RCMP.

“In addition, with the ratification of the RCMP’s collective agreement, the cost associated with the City’s contract has experienced significant escalation, adding to cost containment challenges,” Savard wrote in his staff report.

Subsequently, the financial plan does not integrate any additional public safety service levels beyond what is deemed essential.

The Financial Plan now heads to a January 10 hearing where the public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed financial document.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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City’s 2023 Financial Plan adds more RCMP officers and firefighters, with 4.48% property tax increase

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