Lone Kelowna councillor objects to 4.7 per cent tax increase

Kelowna city council approved a 4.7 per cent tax hike Monday, despite an attempt by one councillor to get his peers to slow the tax roll.

Kelowna city council approved a 4.7 per cent tax hike Monday, despite an attempt by one councillor to get his peers to slow the tax roll.

“‘We need to rein in spending at city hall and ensure your money has been spent efficiently. With extraordinary tax increases, you deserve extraordinary improvements. It’s time to respect your hard-earned tax dollars,'” Coun. Ron Cannan said to Mayor Tom Dyas at the regular council meeting.

“I totally agree with that quote, and that was from (you) during your election. I worked with you on your campaign, so I’m well aware of that.”

Cannan said he doesn’t support growing government at “twice the rate of city’s growth.”

“I don’t support raising taxes higher than the cost of living, especially considering how many residents in our community are hurting and struggling with interest rates at a near 23-year high,” Cannan said.

Cannan pointed out that there’s a healthy reserve system and that he thought it was time to think about taxpayers pocketbooks.

Dyas did not respond though Coun. Luke Stack said the decisions made in the budget offered  “good value for money” for residents,.

“The monies that we have will be well-used to achieve the objectives that they’re seeking, which are many recreation expansions, road expansions, and other infrastructure things that we have on the way,” Stack said.