The City of Cranbrook is asking for residents’ opinions on ways to reduce municipal taxes in 2025 as they target a five per cent tax hike.
In the last budget, the city increased property taxes by 8.32 per cent just to maintain service levels. City staff anticipate another significant tax jump of 8.59 per cent if service levels stay the same next year.
However, council has directed staff to find ways to make cuts in the city’s budget to limit that potential tax increase to five per cent in 2025.
In order to reach that goal, city staff must find ways to cut $1.3 million from the municipal budget, increase revenue sources or both.
City officials have turned to public opinion to find ways to reduce Cranbrook’s budget through a pair of surveys that are running simultaneously.
One is a statistically valid survey that has been sent to 1,600 Cranbrook residents to provide a snapshot of what the public thinks.
The other is a public opinion survey to gather feedback and thoughts from participants, which will be open to all residents within Cranbrook’s city boundary until Friday, Oct. 18.
The survey will as opinions on different ways to reduce taxes, such as cutting service levels, cutting services, raising fees, finding new revenue, or a combination.
“While the statistically valid survey provides a solid foundation for understanding general sentiments, the public opinion survey adds depth by highlighting individual opinions and suggestions,” said city staff.
“Mayor and Council will consider insights from both surveys during their discussions in the fall budget process, which is to start sometime in November.”
You can find the survey here.
Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
