Williams Lake Council nearing adoption of reduced budget

Williams Lake Council’s special meeting this past Wednesday saw three readings given for the 2023 to 2027 Financial Plan bylaw.

In a release from the City, the operational budget will have an increase from $27 million to $29 million, however the overall budget will see a drop from $46.5 Million to $45.9 million.

Council also lowered the municipal property tax mill rate by 4 percent, though variations from BC Assessment will have taxpayers see an overall average of 6.6 percent municipal tax increase.

The release gave highlights to the $15,776,616 capital budget, which includes:

• General capital projects total $7,874,528 including annual paving rehab and saddle replacement ($1,535,000), street light LED upgrade ($116,000), Wildfire Risk Reduction Fuel Treatment within Williams Lake ($349,093) and a new RC Cotton Boat Launch ($120,000)
• Airport capital projects total $1,851,506 including updating the Airport Utility Master Plan ($125,000) and security gate upgrades ($60,000)
• Water capital projects total $2,836,053 including Well #6 replacement ($1,961,870), sanitary bio-solid removal ($398,820) and Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lagoons Assessment ($150,000)

The Financial Plan Bylaw, along with the Municipal Tax Rate Bylaw will be considered for adoption at the next regular council meeting, on Tuesday, May 2nd.