Keremeos residents can expect a very modest increase in their tax bills for 2022.
Council approved the budget on April 4, which includes a two per cent tax rate increase, which is below inflation.
The increase will result in a tax hike of about $40 for the average residential property in the village.
This increase is separate from any other increases such as from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s taxes.
In addition, to the two per cent tax increase for the village’s operating budget, council gave their approval to the capital and special project budget.
The village approved $50,000 to begin work on a new transportation plan, which will involve a review of the community’s streets and their designations among other efforts, in order to replace the existing plan which dates back to 2009.
READ MORE: Construction approved for Keremeos’ upgraded wastewater treatment plant
Additional road work was added to 2022’s budget from the initial draft, following discussion at council in February to take advantage of the paving equipment being in Keremeos for previously planned work.
The $150,000 was moved forward from a future year’s capital budget.
Several projects received early approval from council, including the first phase of work on the upgrades for the village’s wastewater treatment plant.
The $4.6 million project has been funded through grants, and work is expected to begin soon. The first phase of the project is aimed to be complete by 2023, with the second and final phase of construction expected in 2024 depending on grant funding.
Those upgrades are aimed to be done in a way that won’t impact another approved project in 2022, with the rebuilding of one of the sewer system pump stations. The pump station is currently scheduled to be rebuilt in the fall, with minimal downtime as equipment is switched over so there will be no impact on residents.
Other stations in the village are likely to be included in future budgets as they come up for replacement due to wear and usage.
Other previously approved projects include $104,000 to address the worst of the community’s manholes, $48,000 for the completion of the village’s pocket park and $48,000 for upgrades to Pine Park.
To report a typo, email: editor@keremeosreview.com.
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