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Regional distirct looks at tax hikes

Residents in the Regional District of Nanaimo could see increases in their property taxes under the 2011 budget.

NANAIMO — Residents in the Regional District of Nanaimo could see increases in their property taxes under the 2011 budget.

The proposed 2011 financial plan totals $35.9 million, a 6.3-per cent jump over 2010.

The majority of the budget funds three key areas — 20 per cent on wastewater treatment, 19 per cent on public transit and 18 per cent on solid waste management.

The budget was reduced from $36.1 million by deferring some capital projects and purchases to future years, including $115,000 for transportation services, radio and tracking equipment, and the purchase of a $12,000 emergency preparedness generator deferred to 2012.

Residents in electoral area A, covering Cassidy, Cedar, Yellow Point and South Wellington, will see an increase of $4.42 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

For area B, including Gabriola, Decourcy and Mudge Islands, residents will see a $2.51 increase per $100,000 of assessed property value. Area C, Extension, Arrowsmith, Benson, East Wellington and Pleasant Valley, will have a $5.04 increase.

Residents in Nanoose Bay will see a 33-cent increase per 100,000 assessed property value.

Avery said some residents could see a percentage difference depending on if it receives additional services above general services, which typically include transit, solid waste management, bylaw enforcement and administration. Additional services could include items such as sewer, water and street lighting.

The RDN budget will be finalized near the end of March.

For more information and budget reports, please go to www.rdn.bc.ca and click on the budget link.

— Nanaimo News Bulletin/Black Press