Budget

There's Still Time For Your Input

Did you miss the February 20 Talk Budget With Council open house because of other commitments? Not to worry, we could still use your feedback. Here's how:

View the Open House Presentation Panels and/or
View the 2019 to 2028 Financial Plan, then
Email us to provide your feedback

How Does it Affect You?

Council proposes a 3.88% tax increase in 2019 to build reserves, keep pace with inflation and address residents' demands to modernize infrastructure and services. If approved, a 3.88% increase would add $68.78 to the annual property taxes charged to the average West Kelowna house, valued at $550,000.

Council is also debating the implementation of a franchise fee on utility companies. West Kelowna is the only municipality in BC that does not have a franchise fee. Council's deliberations have been weighing the fact that the fee would be passed onto consumers against the need to use the collected funds to build capital reserves.

Why Is An Increase Necessary?

The City must ensure that adequate funding is available to upgrade or replace existing, aging infrastructure and equipment. These costs are covered by capital and equipment reserves. If the City fails to build up these accounts, insufficient funds will be available to replace water pump houses, sewer lift stations, fire trucks, etc.

The City must also keep pace with rising market costs for goods and services, including fuel for fire trucks, natural gas and electricity for arenas and street lights, asphalt to fill potholes and patch roads, etc.

The City also continues receiving numerous calls, letters, emails and online requests from residents demanding increased service. Based on the complaints and requests, the City is adding staff in specific areas to reduce wait times, increase bylaw enforcement, add policing, etc.

Quick Links

Read the Draft 2019 to 2028 Financial and Capital Plans (27Mb, PDF, download time approx. 30 sec. to 2 min.)
Capital Projects
Consultation
Grants in Aid
Revenues and Spending
Taxes