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Property Tax Increase: The report projects a 16.5% increase in property taxes on an average house valued at $548,313 in Central Okanagan West, translating to an extra $168, bringing the total to $1,193 in 2024, up from $1,025 in 2023.
Extra Fee for North Westside Residents: Those in the North Westside utilizing community hall, water, or fire services will face an additional $418, marking an $87 increase from 2023 ($331). Water rates across all communities are also expected to rise, with the exact amount undisclosed.
Soaring Administrative Overhead: Administrative overhead costs are skyrocketing, with a proposed $1 million increase in administration departments. The North Westside Volunteer Fire Department is hit with an enormous $109,447 Administrative Overhead fee, up a staggering 177% from 2020 ($39,473).
Hidden Deficits and Cuts to Local Services: The budget report fails to reveal a disturbing trend of cutting grant monies which are eligible for local services in Electoral Areas. A meeting on June 8, 2023, saw the rescinding of previously approved local parks capital projects in Electoral Area West, diverting $4,298,000 gas tax reserves to WFN (IR#9 and IR#10), and imposing a $435,038 deficit on residents outside of WFN (IR#9 and IR#10) all without public consultation. These measures, which greatly effect Electoral Area finances, were backed by municipal directors and passed despite strong opposition from both Electoral Area Directors.
Questionable Allocation of Growing Communities Grant: Despite an influx of grant funding, especially from the Growing Communities Fund, the budget report lacks clarity in detailing how these funds were allocated. The one-time $6,950,000 Growing Communities Fund grant from the Provincial Government was distributed to the RDCO based on a per-capita calculation. Notably, Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Peachland each received separate distributions from the Province, distinct from the $6,950,000 allocated to the RDCO. Despite objections from both Electoral Area Directors Kevin Kraft (East) and Wayne Carson (West) in a November 16, 2023 meeting, the Board approved only $863,810 (12.4%) for local services within the Electoral Areas, with an overwhelming $6,086,190 (87.5%) allocated to regional services benefiting neighboring municipalities. This decision, backed by municipal directors, passed despite strong opposition from both Electoral Area Directors. When provided transparency it becomes clear how regional parks received grants for capital improvement, leaving local parks unable to proceed with previously approved improvements, including a multi-use pickleball court at Westshore.
Your voice matters and your input into this budget process is crucial. We urge you to take action:
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