The City of Cranbrook has decided on it’s tax levy increase for 2025, settling on 6.4 per cent.
That number is down from an earlier projected increase of 8.87 per cent, however, the city wasn’t able to meet their target of a five per cent increase.
Council had set that target last May, but found it would have involved too large of a reduction in service.
A statistically valid survey was issued in September and it highlighted the conundrum of residents wanting a very small tax levy increase while also wanting very little service reduction.
Despite not meeting the target five per cent, councilor Norma Blissett says it pressured city staff into getting creative to reduce it as much as possible but it will still involve some reduction in service.
“I want the public to be aware that we can’t have it all,” she said.
“I want to emphasize that because the efforts of staff to try and save money means some reduction in services. Staff have tried to make that as painless as possible, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t pain.”
The city has also been cutting costs elsewhere.
That includes increasing revenues with updated user fees, partnering with the Regional District of East Kootenay on specific park maintenance, holding grants to organizations to 2024 levels and eliminating two management positions.
The 6.4 per cent increase will be up for adoption at a future council meeting.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
