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Dec 30,2009 Maple Ridge News

 

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Residents of Pitt Meadows could see their property taxes increase by six per cent next year to cover escalating police costs and decrease the city’s reliance on its reserves.

Proposed after budget discussions Dec. 17, the increase takes into consideration drainage, sewer, water and solid waste charges.

The increase is higher than the 4.5 per cent initially anticipated.

Of the proposed 6.45 per cent municipal tax increase, more than 3.5 per cent will go to police and fire. An additional two per cent will be used reduce subsidization from reserves.

Rising costs for Ridge Meadows RCMP – for equipment, housing and more officers – means policing will gobble up almost $4 million of the city’s $ 16 million budget for 2010.

The annual cost for the city to provided services for a single family home assessed at $420,000 will amount to approximately $2,380, keeping Pitt Meadows near the bottom of Metro Vancouver municipalities in terms of actual taxes paid.

The average homeowner will see $137 increase over 2009.

“The average household continues to pay less than $6.50 per day for all services, including police, fire, water, sewer, recreation and transportation. I can not think of a better value for $6.50 a day,” Mayor Don MacLean said in a press release issued by the city to announce the proposed tax rate increase.

Besides shelling out cash for more costly police and fire departments, council also voted to fund several large projects, including a new South Bonson Community Centre, the new artificial turf field at Pitt Meadows Senior Secondary, an upgraded arena, a new library, as well as numerous road and bridge projects.

“We are trying to meet the increasing demands of a growing community for services and infrastructure growth now and into the future,” MacLean said.

“At the request of residents, we have signed onto a number of very large projects ... but people still want to be assured that the essential services are covered and that the taps will turn on, the ditches will drain and the roads will remain safe and drivable.”

Kennedy Road will be made safer

The City of Pitt Meadows will put concrete barriers along a section of Kennedy Road where vehicles have repeatedly driven off into Katzie Slough.

Council approved the $26,000 project for funding Dec. 17 while finalizing the budget for 2010.

The decision is being applauded by residents who’ve been asking for the safety improvements near the pump station for years.

“There have been so many people who have gone into the slough. It’s a bad corner,” said Wendy Bolan, who led a petition in 2007 to get a barrier or guard rail installed.

The petition came after Dan Lasko, a delivery driver, nearly drowned in the slough’s deep water.

Bolan, who lives on the stretch, had tried to get the city to act for four years.

“It’s been a long time coming. So I would like to thank council, especially Coun. Deb Walters,” said Bolan.

Besides concrete barriers, the improvements will include the installation of raised pavement markers, roadside illumination and signs.

The city will also replace the Kennedy Road bridge next year and improve corners nearby.

Director of operation Kim Grout said the bridge is one of the oldest wooden bridges in the city.

The bridge replacement will result in road closures that could last three months.

Cash approved

• North Lougheed land use review study: $40,000.

Others projects that require ongoing funding:

• second fire safety technician – $78,000;

• increased subsidized ice time – $6,720;

• web streaming of council meetings – $12,000;

• additional RCMP officers – $120,000.

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