Prince George, B.C. – Capital costs and their impacts on tax rates were discussed today during the City of Prince George’s Finance & Audit Committee meeting.

Specifically, those in attendance discussed a draft 2015 Capital Expenditure Plan (based on the 3.5% tax levy scenario), which included shifting the $2.5 million Library Entrance Project in the Capital Expenditure Reserve to a 2017 unfunded project because the project could not be completed in time for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

The major change did not go unnoticed by Councillor Cameron Stolz.

“I have a challenge with the idea of postponing on the library entrance way. That’s one issue I guarantee will have extended discussion when we get back to the Council table.”

The report also noted if the 2.5% tax levy scenario is chosen by Council, there will be an $800,000 reduction in funding to the Capital Expenditure Resource which would shift the following projects to unfunded in 2015.

– CN Centre – Refurbish Walk-In Freezer ($42,000)
-2015 Drainage Improvements ($44,000)
-Downtown Transit Exchange ($225,000)
-Masich Stadium Track Replacement ($500,000)

Stolz called no upgrades at Masich Place Stadium a “no-go,” and asked instead if staff could could look at amending a $650,000 plan to install an off-street trail along the frontage road connection between Westgate Avenue and Marleau Road on Highway 16 West and change that to a one-way road.

Councillor Murray Krause also asked that upgrades to Masich Place Stadium be put back on the list because of its high profile.

“Every time I drive by there – its got lots of people there exercising and its also used for large events so I think we need to refurbish it.”

Finally the report noted if the 1.5% tax levy scenario is chosen by Council, there will be a further $400,000 reduction in funding to the Capital Expenditure Reserve which would shift the 2015 plan to fund Foothills Bridge Reinforcing to unfunded ($480,000).

When Councillor Lyn Hall asked Superintendent of Operations Bill Gaal how urgent that project is, Gaal responded by saying “Right now it’s a huge liability to the city.”

Budget discussions get underway October 22.