Chilliwack City Council is encouraging members of the public to attend the annual 2010 budget input session on March 15, at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers.

Highlights of the proposed 2010 five year financial plan include: maintenance of the current service levels, reinvestment in City infrastructure and debt-free funding of capital projects. The City of Chilliwack remains committed to maintaining one of the lowest taxation rates in the Lower Mainland. The proposed property tax increase is 3.95%.

“In these difficult economic times, I am pleased we can maintain our service levels and avoid layoffs,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “While this budget does not contain the excitement that comes with building new community facilities, it is a fiscally responsible plan, which I am sure everyone can appreciate.”

The City of Chilliwack operational budget will include inflationary cost increases to account for: a 9.4% increase in the RCMP contract, negotiated staff wages and the opening of two new facilities; the Cheam Centre and the Cultural Centre. It is important to note that when these facilities open to the public this year, they will be debt-free due to the City’s continuing ‘pay-as-we-go’ policy.

More information about the 2010 budget can be found online at www.chilliwack.com/budget. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Council Meeting on March 15 at 7:00 pm to offer input into the 2010 budget. If you are unable to attend, you may also fax comments to 604-793-1813, email budget@chilliwack.com or send comments by general mail to:

Mayor and Council
8550 Young Road
Chilliwack, BC
V2P 8A4

Chilliwack Council is unable to accept input following the closure of the March 15 input session, as outlined in the Community Charter.

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