Quesnel, B.C. – Council for the City of Quesnel will receive the first draft of its proposed operating budget for 2011 this afternoon.

 

Quesnel has already held an official public input session to hear how the taxpayers wanted their money spent, but like most communities, Quesnel is facing challenges.

 

Quesnel cites rising costs for the RCMP, wages, and B.C. Transit as some of the increased expenses it will face at a time when there has been the loss of assessment from the closure of Northstar, the loss of utilities assessment form CN rail, and the shift of taxation  to reduce the burden carried by major industry.

 

The draft operating budget that will be up for discussion this evening calls for $20 million in spending, with the highest ticket item being the cost of the RCMP. That is estimated to come in at $3.6 million dollars.

The Citizen Satisfaction survey conducted in 2010 indicates 60% believe they receive good value for the taxes they pay, and 72% said the City of Quesnel is doing a good job. When asked to name their top concern, 30% indicated a poor economy.

 

When asked about levels of service, 70 % said they would like the City to either maintain or increase levels of service, and the costs should be borne by increasing taxes (20%) or by increasing user fees(50%).  About 18% said the City should reduce services to maintain current tax rates.

 

The budget discussion is slated to start at 3 p.m.