Mill rate could stay the same
In the Feb. 26 Prince Rupert council meeting, chief financial officer Corinne Bomben presented the 2018 municipal budget.
Bomben said city staff has been able to draft a balanced budget without an increase to the residential mill rate that calculates property taxes. However, it was announced on Feb. 21 that northwestern taxpayers will pay $113.7 million for the new Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace. It was not discussed in council how that amount would impact the mill rate.
READ MORE: Mills Memorial Hospital financing formula released
After the presentation, Councillor Wade Niesh said, “Do your part and come out to our budget consultation meetings and voice your opinion as to where the money should be spent…It’s the same every year, everyone wants to complain, but nobody comes out when it’s important to talk about it.”
The public consultations will be held on March 12 and 26 during the regular council meetings. The revised BC assessment values will be released at the end of the month. Direction from council is expected on April 9.
Supportive house moving
to public consultation
City planner Zeno Krekic recommended a public hearing should be held for the bylaw that will allow a supportive house for men on 11th Avenue East. Council passed the second reading of the proposed bylaw and scheduled a public hearing for March 26 during the council meeting.
Council also gave fourth reading to the housing agreement that will allow the property to host a special care house in a residential zone.
McKay postponed
Due to winter weather conditions, the community build day for McKay Street Park has been postponed from March 4 to April 7.
READ MORE: Council briefs: Complete Streets and supportive house bylaw
keili.bartlett@thenorthernview.com
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