Central Saanich’s 2024 draft financial plan is now published and features a 7.76 per cent property tax increase.
The tax increase would represent approximately $185 per year for the average home valued at $1,058,147.
The property tax breakdown shows increases of 4.15 per cent for municipal operations, 1.75 per cent for infrastructure, 1.61 per cent for police operations and 0.25 per cent for library funding.
The district’s draft budget is balanced at $60.6 million, and approximately half will fund general operations.
“There will be a strong return on investment for the community as a result of this plan,” chief administrative officer Christine Culham said in a statement. “This is a plan that will deliver the services residents are telling us they want and need.”
The most significant cost driver for the budget is labour-related costs. Labour represents approximately $17.9 million or 60 per cent of the district’s operating budget expenses, excluding projects and strategic initiatives.
The plan eliminates existing business licence renewal fees.
The district is looking at starting a plan in 2024 to invest $10.4 million over four years to accelerate the implementation of active transportation infrastructure between Saanichton and Lochside Drive and Brentwood Bay and Saanichton.
The district received more than $7 million in grants in 2023.
The budget can be found at Central Saanich Municipal Hall or LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca.
Residents can provide input on the draft financial plan by emailing communications@csaanich.ca or by calling 250-544-4204.
Budget meetings have been scheduled for March 4 and 18.
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