Discussion addressed revenue, utilities
The 2025 budget was the sole focus of this month's Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting.
One resident attended the October 1 meeting, with seven more online.
With no reports either the Mayor or any Council member, and no public questions, the meeting moved directly to the only item on the agenda.
At last month's meeting, Financial Officer Joe Chirkoff announced his intent to present the 2025 budget well before the deadline. He kept his eyes on that goal at this meeting, presenting a summary of revenue sources, and utility expenditures.
When Councillor Neville Abbott asked how the process could go forward without actual figures, Chirkoff said that he wants to keep council "ahead of the game" and will provide the figures as soon as they are available. He said his focus was on proposed sources of revenue, with a flavour for what to expect in 2025.
He recommended that Council continue to follow the five-year plan adopted last year, including a five percent tax increase for residents this year.
Chirkoff also suggested that Council consider a drop of one to two percent in the utilities rates this year, as costs are more than covered. Alternatively, he said the surplus would be banked for future projects.
The Lions Bay Beach Park project was briefly discussed. In the absence of Chief Administrative Officer Ross Blackwell, Director of Operations Karl Buhr said that staff are currently in discussion with two proponents and the next step will likely involve public consultation.
Buhr also said the fully-funded Klatt building project is almost complete, with the exception of the installation of an apron required for parking emergency vehicles. He noted that this element is not included in the grant funding, and that the roughly $10,000 required will have to be funded as a capital project.
There was some discussion of the jetty project, which has been separated from the Beach Park project. Questions remain whether Translink grant money can be allocated toward the rebuild or whether costs will have to be covered by Village reserves.
Abbott also clarified that the upcoming recycling project will be funded by Recycle BC.
No mention was made of the 2023 audit, which, for the second year in a row, was not submitted by the June 15 deadline.
After a motion by Councillor Michael Broughton, members of the public were dismissed and the meeting moved into a closed session. The next regular Council meeting is set for October 15 at 7 p.m. The next COW meeting is scheduled for November 5 at 6 p.m.
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