As council mulls 4.48% tax increase, city staff say Chilliwack’s taxes are the lowest in the Lower Mainland

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“Having no debt plays a crucial role in the ability to do so,” Savard said. “As always, there are choices and compromises that must be made in balancing budgetary provisions, while keeping taxes as affordable as possible for the community as a whole.”

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The city’s 2023 Financial Plan does not forecast any debt whatsoever, in accordance with the municipality’s stated no-debt capital financing policy.

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

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.

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

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

The 2023 Financial Plan now heads to a hearing on Tuesday, January 10 where the public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed financial document.