Tax rates bylaw approved
Council has approved the 2013 Tax Rates Bylaw.
Chief Financial Officer Dave Svetlichny reported that the average Oliver residence, based on an assessed value of $286,961, will see its municipal taxes decrease by $2.08 in 2013, and its RDOS taxes increase by $8.19 compared to 2012.
In addition, the town business multiple has been reduced. Svetlichny said the decrease equates to a 7.78 per cent decrease in the municipal tax rate. For example, for a business assessed at $250,000, the savings would equate to approximately $90 compared to 2012.
Town works on promotion guide
Council appointed members Maureen Doerr and Jack Bennest to head a committee to promote the Town of Oliver to potential newcomers.
The guide will include information about the Town and its amenities, including the hospital and the new high school under construction.
Municipal Manager Tom Szalay said there is the potential for people moving here when the correctional centre opens in 2016.
He said the new school is definitely something the district can brag about.
The Town hopes the school board and the Oliver Tourism Association will get involved in the new guide.
“I really think it’s incumbent on us to produce a relocation package and build on it every year,” said Mayor Ron Hovanes.
He noted the correctional facility will produce 240 jobs, so it would be nice to have new families relocate here.
Town explores business award
Council is looking at competing for the 2013 Open For Business Award.
The award offers communities a prize of $10,000, recognizing those that undertake initiatives to reduce the cost and complexity of doing business in BC.
Municipal Manager Tom Szalay said the seven questions the Town must answer as part of the competition are complex.
Councillor Jack Bennest agreed, saying the questions may actually reveal what the Town isn’t doing for the business community.
One question asks the Town how it engages and recognizes small business, while another asks what small business resources it offers. Mayor Ron Hovanes said the Town works closely with the wine industry, and actively engages local real estate companies and developers.
Tax rates bylaw approved
Council has approved the 2013 Tax Rates Bylaw.
Chief Financial Officer Dave Svetlichny reported that the average Oliver residence, based on an assessed value of $286,961, will see its municipal taxes decrease by $2.08 in 2013, and its RDOS taxes increase by $8.19 compared to 2012.
In addition, the town business multiple has been reduced. Svetlichny said the decrease equates to a 7.78 per cent decrease in the municipal tax rate. For example, for a business assessed at $250,000, the savings would equate to approximately $90 compared to 2012.
Have coffee with the mayor
Mayor Ron Hovanes encouraged Oliver residents to take advantage of a new program called “coffee with the mayor.”
It’s an opportunity to speak directly with the mayor about any concerns or suggestions you may have.
The next session is scheduled for May 14 at 10:30 am.
Who was that lady?
Councillor Maureen Doerr said the recent fashion show at the Oliver Senior Centre was a great success, with more than 200 people in attendance.
She praised the ladies of the South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary and the work they do. “These ladies need a lot of credit.
They work so hard and have raised a lot of money for the hospital.”
Doerr referred to one fashion show participant, Councillor Jack Bennest, who was adorned in a nice dress.
Bennest said a number of ladies didn’t recognize him.
