Esquimalt, BC—Esquimalt Council has approved a 2022 budget of $91.2 million which includes a 4.92 per cent increase in municipal tax revenue requirements over 2021.
Council adopted the Township’s 2022-2026 Financial Plan Bylaw and 2022 Tax Rates Bylaw at its May 2, 2022 meeting.
During its April 4, 2022, meeting, Council was presented with four taxation scenarios for consideration. These scenarios outlined the anticipated amount of tax revenue that would be required to balance the 2022 budget. During this meeting, Council gave direction to proceed with a 4.92 per cent tax revenue increase.
“This budget is about moving forward on some significant projects that will benefit our community like the new Public Safety Building and Active Transportation Network Plan,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “Police core budget costs, deer management and election costs are also contributing expenses. We also want to ensure we’re balancing achieving our strategic objectives while funding our day-to-day needs and maintaining infrastructure”.
The Township provides its own police, fire, recreation, and library services however these services are, in some instances, either cost-shared or provided on a volunteer basis by other municipalities. It is important to note that the Township includes all utility costs in its property tax levies.
Contributing to the tax revenue increase are principal and interest payments related to the $35M debt issuance for the forthcoming new Public Safety Building. While this is an addition to the 2022–2026 Financial Plan, the incremental revenue required to fund these payments will be significantly lower in future budgets.
The 2022 budget is shaped by strategic priorities set out by Council in its planning processes, and by public input at Council meetings focussing on budget preparation.
More information
- 2022 Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaw staff report (April 25, 2022)
- 2019–2023 Strategic Priorities Chart
- Esquimalt's 2022 budget process
- 2022 Budget Overview presentation
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Contact
Tara Zajac, Manager of Communications
250-414-7122
[email protected]