The City of Parksville's 2016 budget was adopted at a special council meeting on May 10 after a number of public debates and votes that have taken place since October of last year.
Council set the overall property tax increase at 4.5 per cent for 2016. The tax increase for subsequent years is expected to be four per cent for 2017-2020.
The consolidated budget of just over $41,000,000 includes capital expenditures of $23,986,000. Major capital projects in 2016 include such projects as new water intake and treatment facility, Corfield Street upgrade from Stanford to 19A, Banks and Forsyth storm and water main replacements, completion of Temple Street, trail to Rathtrevor, new ladder truck, new operations shop and other minor road replacements.
A number of budget deliberation meetings were held in October, November and March and public input was encouraged in person and through online opportunities.
A news release from the city said the budgeting process becomes more challenging each year as the city faces "external pressures such as increasing expectations, legislative impacts by senior levels of government, rising costs and a fluctuating business climate. The 2016 budget balances these challenges while continuing to deliver good value for money and also providing quality services for Parksville citizens," according to the news release.
— NEWS Staff/City of Parksville news release