Cuts expected, preliminary tax rate over 7 per cent

Kamloops city councillors have work to do now that the tax rate increase has nearly doubled since the preliminary rate was set in December.

Early projections for the 2013 tax rate in May 2012 expected a 5 per cent increase. That changed in December when some capital expenditures were inferred and the preliminary tax rate was set at 3.91 per cent. Now, council is looking at a 7.34 per cent increase due to additional budget requests.

"The numbers are large," said Mayor Peter Milobar. "I doubt they're going to stay where they're at."

Today marked the first of council budget discussions that will continue throughout the next few months, including public consultations.

The City is also encouraging it's plugged-in citizens to join the conversation online by using the Twitter hashtag #kamloopsbudget.

— Jessica Wallace
jwallace@infotelnews.ca
(250)319-7494