Osoyoos cuts massive 40% tax and fee hike almost in half

After triggering heated protests from residents, the Town of Osoyoos passed a final tax and service fee hike this week totalling 24%, down from the almost 40% it initially adopted last fall.

Still, the average homeowner in the South Okanagan community will have to pay $913 more this year. That compares to more than $1,500 that was originally called for by the town council last fall.

This is not actually a 24% tax increase but, because water and sewer fees are charged on the same tax bill, that’s the overall increase.

READ MORE: Osoyoos chose years of low tax increases, now the bills are due

Out of the $913, taxes account for $309 and the rest is fees for fire protection, RCMP, the library, and garbage and recycling collection.

Water user fees are up by $295 and sewer user fees by $299.

Property taxes throughout BC are due July 2.

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