The Islands Trust council is looking for public input as it moves forward with a $6.9-million draft budget, which includes a 1.3-per cent increase in property taxes.
If the budget is approved, a 1.3-per cent increase would amount to about $4 for a property assessed at $450,000.
“We are trying to keep budget increases low, while responding to our constituents’ requests for improvements and new programs to address issues that are important to islanders,” said Sheila Malcolmson, council chairwoman, in a press release.
As it stands, the proposed budget will make allowances for the trust to continue its work on core functions and priorities such as protecting potential fish habitat, increased access to information, higher bylaw enforcement capacity.
The 1.3-per cent increase will also pay for several other strategic projects and work related to groundwater and shoreline protection.
The proposed 2013-14 budget also addresses a reduction in the provincial grant revenues in and B.C. Government Employees Union collective agreement wage increases negotiated by the B.C. government.
The Islands Trust Council will make a final budget decision at its March 5-7, meeting on Thetis Island.
To be considered for the financial planning committee’s recommendations to council, submissions must be received by noon on Feb. 8.
For details on the budget, please visit www.islandstrust.bc.ca/news/budget.cfm.