Public feedback told Maple Ridge city councillors there is not a lot of support for the city’s proposed 2024 budget, which carries a 6.5 per cent tax increase.
Out of 174 people who responded to the city’s request for public engagement, only 17 were categorized as in support of the draft budget, as city hall staff reviewed feedback.
Some 75 were classified as not in support. Another four respondents were not in support of the tax increase, but did like the service enhancements.
And 69 made general comments about the budget, which were not considered for or against the plan. Most of these, 47, were supporters of the arts who were encouraged by the arts community to ask for funding related to The ACT Arts Centre operations said staff.
The only question asked in the city survey was: “Please share your comments and feedback on the city’s 2024 draft budget.”
The survey was on the city’s Engage Maple Ridge platform from Feb. 16 to March 22.
Councillor Ahmed Yousef asked whether those 75 not in favour could offer alternatives or have any input.
“For the most part it was centered around affordability, and specifically the commentary was regarding the fact that individual experiences in terms of income did not match the proposed tax increase,” said Dan Olivieri, manager of corporate planning and consultation.
“That was one of the most common threads amongst those who identified affordability as a challenge.”
There were only four comments offering a specific tax increase – around three per cent.
The proposed 6.5 per cent tax increase will see an average home pay an additional $150 for their municipal tax bill, bringing it to $2,453, plus $79 more for utilities (water, sewer, and recycling) raising that charge to $1,452. Those levies are based on the average home assessed at $986,000.
The financial plan includes a $160 million operating budget, which will include 16 new firefighters, 12 new RCMP officers, and four new planning department staff.
There is also a $112 million capital budget. Highlights include widening Abernethy Way, upgrades at Port Haney Waterfront Park and Maple Ridge Park, planning for the 240th Street bridge as a new access to Silver Valley, and planning and designing new recreation facilities.
Council’s first readings of the financial plan and tax rate bylaws are scheduled for April 9, and the bylaw must be adopted by May 15.
During the last week of budget engagement, The ACT distributed a request for the public to voice their support for arts funding through the city budget engagement process. As a result of the call to action, a significant influx of commentary was received, noted the city.
READ ALSO: MPs in Maple Ridge to publicize ‘threats’ to natural health products