Proposed tax reduction for 2019

Budget deliberations began at city hall Wednesday with a plan to have a three per cent tax reduction in 2019.

A presentation by Interim City Manager Horacio Galanti put forth an initial plan for the tax impact for the next four years. He said after each package has been voted on over the three days of deliberations, a recalculation of the impact will be made and presented.

Based on plans put forth by the city administration, there would be the three per cent reduction in 2019, a 1.5 per cent increase in 2020, a 1 per cent increase in 2021 and no increase or decrease for 2022.

Councillor Jackie Clayton proposed a further reduction of 4 per cent overall prior to the start of deliberations which she said would “set the tone” for their decisions. After thorough discussion, Councillor Chris Thiessen moved to table her motion until the end of talks which passed with a five to four majority.