The CIty of Port Alberni gave residents a first look at its proposed five-year financial plan for 2025-29 last week, and we understand if there was a collective gasp from observers. The initial proposed tax increase for next year could be as high as 15 percent.
Almost in the next breath (who are we kidding, it wasn't just one breath. The proposed budget was revealed during a five-hour committee of the whole meeting on Oct. 21, 2024.) Coun. Cindy Solda was urging members of the public not to panic.
The first look is just that: a first glance at all the must-haves such as union contract commitments, insurance and infrastructure needs, the hold-overs from last year's budget, a few wants and some of the look-aheads (like the long-term sewer and water infrastructure separation project).
The first look provides a projection of what it would cost the average homeowner if everything in the 'wish list' was granted. Soon, every city department will defend why their wish lists must be granted, and the public will have the chance to listen and participate in public sessions surrounding the budget. The public will have a say in what their wants-versus-needs are too.
It is, as Coun. Solda says, important not to panic — yet. That 15 percent number likely won't be the same by the time the budget is approved in May 2025.
The city has for years—far earlier than the present-day council—pushed back infrastructure needs, to the point where many aging structures are going to need work all at once. Costs for repairs/ replacement are only going up.
The city has to balance the future with maintaining current infrastructure. With costs rising every year they need to find innovative ways to increase revenue. One of the ways to do that is to bring new people to the city to increase the tax base. Another way is to get tough with cuts or charging for things that were once offered for free, such as the suggestion to charge for use of recreational fields.
The reality though is there are some tough decisions coming.
— Alberni Valley News
