16 — Wednesday, December 9, 1998 — North Shore News W. Van faces 1.9% tax hike in 1999 Catherine Barr Contributing Writer THE cost of living in West Vancouver may be going up. Municipal manager Doug Allan presented his provision- al budget to West Vancouver council on Nov. 30. Hf all the figures add up correctly, residents could find themselves facing a 1.9% municipal tax increase in 1999, In 1998, provincial off- loading of costs to municipal governments was the main problem. This time, the municipality has had to deal with a worldwide, national and provincial economic slowdown. The effects are such that, according to Allan, the com- munity is developing less, building less and, as a result, varning less overall. To press time a published version of Allan’s provisional budget was unavailable. But according to his slide presen- tation, the priorities for 1999’s budget include: @ upkeep, appearance and maintenance of all municipal facilities; ‘ Bi less reliance on the GVRD (possibly for water); ® technological improve- ments (Year 2000 — Y2K — compliance); @ improved communications; west . vancouver District Council @ more long-term planning (Upper Levels lands); separation of maintenance budget from capital budget. Service levels are also a priority. This means only that the municipality will continue to provide the same 1998 ser- vices, but the budget would account for the possible price increases that may occur 1999, Areas of uncertainty and unexpected expenses are also a reality. These include: interest revenues, Wage increases and collective bargaining agree- ments not yet negotiated or agreed upon, — provincial grants and the cost savings yet to be realized from any possible reorganization of the municipality. Approximately $150,000 will be needed to supplement the municipality’s insurance and liabiliry costs. And since everyone will get a chance to vote in) 1999, an extra $130,000 will also need to be spent to hold a municipal election. In 1998, the 1.1% tax increase was largely offset by development costs (which rose by 1.9%). Thar meant that in 1998, taxes actually went down by 0.8%. The only item that went sigaificandy over bud- get was legal costs (by approximately $156,000). Unfortunately, the out- look for 1999 might nor be as goad. Allan: reported 2 possible increase in building permit fees, recreation tees and a minor increase in utili- ties to help) make-up the shortfall, New capital expen- ditures are predicted to top $23 million. Also scheduled for 1999 is the replacement of Firchall No, 2, and a budgeted S6 million earmarked tor “com- munizy centre” use. Over 91% of all of West Vancouver's taxes come from its residents. There is very lit- tle commercial, and practical- ly no industrial base trom which the municipality can draw funds. This, traditionally, has meant that West Vancouverites have had some of the most expensive munic- ipal taxes in Canada. Meanwhiie, Allan announced that a series of budget meetings will take place over the next two months. The public is encouraged to give its input prior to a Jan. 18, 1999 public meeting when the topic will again be foremost on the agenda. Council will be consider- ing the final budget in detail in February. “Exclusive Savings far MEMBERS! : All Day! Both Days! ALL REGUIAR PRICE TF IVMICCALES [AILR Fabrics’ Notions | PA] S| North Vancouver, 710 West 14th.St,980-0551 *Downiown Vancouver, _* ilagle Fadge, eAbbotsiond St) Flo. the Bay. BRIS 228 Loupe Hay AGLONT | A38 Vora Ave 859-526 + Bam . Chea => (ZiGey ke smesn — mospiaan S.swRa AGS Yue Ad. 722-378 ‘2773 Bare Hwy, E4188 “at acesrock De 0-68 aia eS = Home is where the hearth is. MAJESTIC. WrEplaces When you're out shopping for 2 gas fireplace this season, only look for the best. A full line of Consumersfirst North Vancouver 523-3005 Consumersfirst Vancouver 523-3003 Solace Energy Majestic Fireplaces & Vermont Castings models are available in the North Shore ONLY at these authorized dealers: Vaglic Fireplaces Vancouver . Bumaby 298-6494 297-0342