Sooke homeowners would see a 6.9 percent increase in their tax bill this year under a proposed operating budget released at Municipal Hall this week.
 
The previous proposal was for an increase of 9.3 percent.
 
An average home assessed at $866,321 would pay $100 more in property taxes, according to the 2023-2027 five-year financial plan.
 
Mayor Maja Tait said the district faces significant inflationary pressures, with the inflation rate currently six percent in Greater Victoria.
 
"I think we did the best we could do with the budget. I know that any increased cost right now is hard for people to bear," Tait said.
 
Staff made more than $250,000 in cuts at council's request to various departments since the draft budget was released in mid-March, including a $25,000 in council's travel budget.
 
"I was very happy staff whittled the budget down. I'd love it to be zero, of course, but the district was hit with inflation just like everybody else," said Coun. Al Beddows.
 
Over the next five years, the district plans to increase police and fire resources to decrease call response times, road maintenance, streetlight and transit stop improvements, and several capital projects.
 
This year's capital projects include the Charters corridor, the Church Road roundabout, the Little River Crossing, and the Ravens Ridge Park recreation amenities projects.
 
Although Tait said the district is "willing to go alone" on some projects, it is still seeking assistance from senior levels of government to help cover unfunded COVID-19-related expenses, the Little River Crossing.
 
It is also anticipating its share of the province's billion-dollar surplus.
 
"We are a growing community with a need for amenities and infrastructure. We could find ways for some savings now, but for a bigger cost in the future," Tait said.
 
Sooke's tax numbers represent the municipal portion of taxes only.
 
They do not include taxes levied by other agencies, including Sooke School District, the Vancouver Island Regional Library, Capital Regional District, Island Health, the Municipal Finance Authority and B.C. Assessment Authority.
 
The Grumpy Taxpayers of Greater Victoria criticized the proposed tax increase, which is higher than in recent years.
 
"Council has the responsibility to fund what the community needs and can afford, not just what they think they need. That's a very difficult but a very necessary dynamic to drive the budget process. I think most communities, including Sooke, have a long way to go," said chair John Treleaven.
 
Sooke residents can discuss the merits of this year's budget with council and staff when the District of Sooke hosts an open house on Wednesday (19 Apr 2023) from 14:00 to 19:00 at Municipal Hall, 2205 Otter Point Road.
 
Refreshments will be served.
 
This year's budget and five-year financial plan must be adopted by 15 May 2023.
 
Council is expected to pass the bylaw on 24 Apr 2023.
 
Kevin Laird.

As long as you're spending MY MONEY (the property taxes I pay) how do you justify installation of those grossly expensive signs at the dog park and in that Sun River park during this time of rising costs? Hardly fiscal prudence methinks.