Port Coquitlam residents are being polled about city services and programs as municipal staff fine-tune this year’s budget, as well as property tax and utility rates.
Residents have until Jan. 31 to take the survey and offer views on the $134.4-million draft financial plan for a chance to win a $150 gift card to a PoCo business.
Last month, city council proposed a 5.58 per cent property hike for 2024 — an increase of $117.37 — that would see taxes rise from about $2,104 to $2,221.
And, last week, council gave three bylaw readings to jump water rates by 2.96 per cent, or $13.95 more, and sewer fees by 14.71 per cent, or an additional $51.50, to pay for “significant increases from Metro Vancouver charges,” city staff report.
For homes with city collection, rates would go up by 23.34 per cent or $62.67.
Utility bills are due on April 2, 2024, with invoices mailed to owners in late February. PoCo seniors and people living with disabilities can also receive a utilities discount.
Have your say
In the online survey, the city asks residents to rate its efforts on such topics as:
- bylaw enforcement
- city cleanliness
- cycling and walking amenities
- fire and policing responses
- garbage, recycling and green carts
- parks, sports fields and culture
- road maintenance
- water, sewer and drainage
Among the cost drivers for the 2024 budget are increased wages for unionized city staff, police and firefighters; rising bills from the Fraser Valley Regional Library and Metro Vancouver; inflation; higher fees for capital projects; and new provincial government legislation passed on to the civic level for housing and accessibility.
“We once again sharpened our pencils on behalf of our taxpayers to address escalating costs while making important investments to address current and future community needs,” said Coun. Dean Washington, council’s designate for budget matters, in a news release.
“It’s another responsible budget and we look forward to hearing the community’s feedback on it by Jan. 31.”
