Budget talks will soon get underway in Elkford and Mayor Steve Fairbairn says the District will need to look for ways to save money where it can.
Fairbairn says the early estimates look like the municipal budget will be strained.
“We’re looking at preliminary budget estimates and the wish list from all our departments and we’re looking for ways of addressing how we move forward,” said Fairbairn.
“We have employee contracts and renegotiations coming up and we all know it’s all putting pressure on the taxpayers.”
Fairbairn says staff and council will do what they can to keep tax increases as low as possible.
“It’s a tough season. Council and our financial department are working very hard to manage and restrict tax increases as much as possible,” said Fairbairn.
“This is with the caveat that municipalities cannot run a deficit. Everything people want needs to be paid for in some way.”
The mayor says the District is in a difficult position, but it’s not unique to Elkford.
“It’s going to be a tough year, and it’s going to be tough for every municipality in B.C. and right across the country,” said Fairbairn.
“We’re going to be coming to a crunch position where the costs just to maintain services at the current level will shock people. We’re seeing it from other communities, too.”
Elkford’s budget talk will begin in 2025.
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