Prince George, B.C. –  It is  the first full budget process for Prince George City Council and  the first day of deliberations saw departmental  spending plans given  unanimous approvals.

The budget  proposes a 3% increase to the tax levy.   That is  more than  Councillor ALbert Koehler would like to see,  as he   would prefer  an increase more in line with the rate of inflation, which is  about 1.8%.  Trimming the budget back by that amount would  require the trimming to some service levels, and the  public consultation has  indicated  residents are  not so hot on  that idea.

There was only  one  enhancement request which came from the  RCMP, and  while the  detachment’s basic budget has been given the green light,  the  requested enhancement ( see previous story)  has  been put on hold  for a later date.   If approved, and if  no  trimming is done to other areas of the budget,  the enhancement would bump the  tax increase into the 3.6% range.

The library  is still pushing for a new entrance,  but  that matter will be dealt with  when the capital  plan is up for discussion which is set for December 2nd.  City Manager Kathleen Soltis says the project (estimated to cost  $3.7 million) is unfunded and is on the list  for possible  consideration in 2017, but added  the City would have to borrow the money for the  project.

Tourism P.G.  presented a budget that shows  a shift in focus, with  a push for event hosting to bring more  people to the City.  Council was intrigued by the idea of establishing a “Sport Event Council” which would look  at trying to attract major national and international  events.   Mayor Hall made it clear that  he would like to revisit  establishing a tourism centre at  Highways 16 and 97,  but that discussion will have to take place further down the road.

Mayor and Council’s budget was also given the green light.  Remuneration for Council will  increase slightly,  due to the formula adopted by a previous Council.

The next budget  meeting is set for December 2nd.