The clock is ticking for Port Coquitlam homeowners to have their say about the city’s draft budget for 2025.
The municipality is calling for feedback on the financial plan that, if approved, will see property taxes rise by $95.82 — plus $172.44 in utilities — for the “average” homeowner in PoCo this year.
The sharp uptick for utilities is due to the Metro Vancouver cost overruns at its North Shore Waste Water Treatment Plant (at $84 per household in PoCo) and the city’s new glass collection program.
On the property tax side, the increases are being attributed to RCMP and labour contracts, infrastructure and inflation.
The rises mean an extra $261.93 this year for a Port Coquitlam home assessed at $1.1 million.
The draft budget does not include funds to hire more RCMP or firefighters as the $121.4-million operating budget focuses on maintaining existing service levels and taxpayer affordability, said Coun. Dean Washington, council’s budget liaison, in a news release.
As for the capital plan, the $37.5-million work load for 2025 proposes $14.4 million for flood protection such as upgrades to pump stations, and improvements to drainage and culverts in flood-prone areas.
Information about the draft budget is online. Port Coquitlam residents who complete the survey by Jan. 26, 2025, will be eligible for a $150 gift card to a Port Coquitlam business of their choice. Budget suggestions can be made year-round by visiting the city's website, calling 604-927-5280 or emailing [email protected].
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