(File photo)
Dale Boyd
Osoyoos Times
The Town of Osoyoos is entering the annual budget meeting this week with a proposed three per cent increase to property taxes.
Among other increases are garbage and recycling fees, with staff recommending increases of $140.70 for 2020, an increase of $6.70.
Wages and benefits for town employees increased by $321,575, including a two per cent increase in wages and a one per cent increase in employer overhead costs. Over half of that increase is accounted for with the newly created fire chief position, and additionally there are two new proposed deputy chief positions with the Osoyoos Fire Department.
The RCMP budget is proposed to increase by $19,545 to a total of $972,995 in 2020, while the proposed budget reduces funding for bylaw enforcement $5,640 “now that staffing of (the) department is complete,” budget documents state.
The snow maintenance budget are proposed to increase by $11,140, and an increase of $24,240 is proposed for parks “to allow for increase in maintenance and wages,” the budget document states.
Town council enter budget talks Jan. 29 at a special meeting held at the Osoyoos Fire Hall at 9:30 a.m.
The full budget document can be found here.
