IVC munici axes increase BY ROBERT GALSTER Contributing Writer NORTH VANCOUVER City res- idents will be forking out 2.75% more in municipal taxes thanks to a budget passed unanimously by councillors last Monday. Calling it “a matter of principle,” Coun. Stella Jo Dean criticized council for “unneces- sary” spending over the past year. The expenditures she specified included funding of the adult crossing guard program and a study of the old Versatile Pacific shipyard lands. Combined. the cost of the programs is $150,000. Dean said that the money spent on these ventures played a large part in the proposed tax increase. She later said she wanted her objections to be on the record, but subsequently voted in favor of the budget as a whole. The rate hike includes 2 1% tax levy for the new police building currentiy under consinic- tion. In his annual budget speech, Mayor Jack Loucks commended councillors for consistent- ‘ly keeping tax rates in North Vancouver City among the iowest in the Lower Mainland and continuing that commitment through this year's budget. “The city continues to strive to provide top quality service to its taxpayers while maintain- ing a low tax levy,” said Loucks, He also addressed concerns expressed by Dean. “Tt is a difficult task to assess merits of new- funding requests against the need to keep taxes under control, especially at a time when many city residents are having to cut back their per- sonal expenditure patterns.” said Loucks. A 1% tax increase is incurred for every $200.000 spent by the city over and above the set and balanced budget. Coun. Barbara Sharp said taxpayers receive “the best dollar value” possible for money spent on municipal taxes and stressed that all municipal services are still provided for less than it costs to insure a car, Coun. John Braithwaite wrapped up the budget discussion by stating he agrees with the positive comments made by the other council- lors before him and that while it wasn't easy, the final budget council arrived at is a good one. “There's a lot of work that goes on behind closed dvors that the public may or may not know about .. we hashed it out.” said Braithwaite. . North Vancouver City’s total budget for 1996 is $86,822,500. | THETRADITION CONTINUES Everything Half Price!” The Jewellery Event Of The Year. *Diamonds _ *Pendants eFarings »Gold _*Fine Gem Stones Bracelets Necklaces *Rings. *Watches *Engagement Rings The One Sale You Won’ W. ant to Miss *Sale includes ali merchandise in store except some new orders, Lugaro value Ret Tag items, selected watches, and repairs. No layaways. 3 : 2 aoe Bonziess club pack™ ehuck cross vib roast 514554 Canada Grade Abeef 5.91kg Fresh romaine iettuce 540658 each i . Bakeshop, unsliced, 397g italiano bread asioat . each» rT Maxwell House, reg., light or decaf, 150-200g instant coffee 125831T apple cider vinegar 156372 Parkay, 1/4’s,.1 -36kg margarine 572065 at this low price limit 1 Minute Maid, assorted, 295-355 mi frozen concentrated orange juice 716027F limit 2, overlimit 1.29 Kraft, assorted, 250ml | salad dressings 123505F i We accept competitors’ coupons and match or beat their advertised items. # Prices in effect until closing Saturday, May 4, 1996, while stocks last. We reserve the Fight to limit quantities.