Tax Bylaw finalized
Council gave final approval to its Five Year Financial and Tax Rates bylaws. There will be a total average municipal tax increase of 4.1% to most classes, including residential. That increase is $25.04 for the municipal portion for the average house assessed at $164,260. This is based upon the average assessment increase in Quesnel of 4.3%. If a home's assessment increased by more than the average, the tax increase is more than the average; if it is less, the tax increase is less.
This year, however, due to the provincial government's introduction of a new $200 northern and rural homeowners' benefit, the average house, whose assessment increased by the average amount, will see a decrease to their total property tax bill.
Council also reviewed a document showing the 2010 taxes paid in communities with populations ranging from 6,000 to 50,000. Quesnel residents, based on an average house, paid the least taxes (both total property taxes and general municipal taxes) of 50 communities according to figures provided by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
The City will mail out property tax notices in mid May.
Paving plan approved
Council approved five paving projects valued at approximately $350,000 to come from the Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program in 2011.
The five projects approved are:
Johnston Avenue, from Lawlor Drive to Lambert Street.
Gardner Street, from Johnston Avenue to Graham Avenue.
North Fraser Drive, from Elliott Street to Early Avenue
Baker Drive, from Sugar Loaf Park to Tingley Drive
Valhalla road, south of Jason Place.
The projects are selected on several criteria, including: having a good base; underground utilities in good shape and not in need of immediate repair; fair to heavy traffic use; and the asphalt is near or at the end of its life. The City also attempts to mix residential streets with commercial/arterial streets.
City auction scheduled
A silent auction will be held at the Quesnel and District Twin Arenas on May 17, 18 and 19 to dispose of surplus items in the City's possession. A large number of items, including bicycles, electronic equipment, tools, jewelry, clothing, sporting goods and office supplies will be available. Notice of the sale will be posted in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer. There will be on-site viewing opportunities, with all items sold in as-is condition.
Other news
Open fires are restricted in the Cariboo Fire Centre's jurisdiction as of May 2. The restriction will be in place until Sept. 30 or until further notice. It prohibits fires larger than one metre by one metre, burning stubble or grass, or using fireworks or burn barrels. City residents, however, are restricted year round to fires of one half-metre by one half-metre in a safe, backyard fire pit.
Council received notice of an exciting development at Quesnel River Pulp. The Mill manager advised of plans to replace three heat exchangers with new, high-efficiency models. The goal is to reduce the mill's reliance on fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Quesnel Quilters Guild presented 10 handmade quilts to be sent to Shiraoi as part of the tsunami relief effort. The Guild, which has about 50 members, gives away 50 quilts per year for various causes.
Members of the Shiraoi Twinning Society presented City Council with official documents commemorating the 30th anniversary of Quesnel and Shiraoi's twinning relationship.
Important Dates
May 7 - Friends of the Museum, Book Sale
May 7 - Move for Health Day
Proclamations
May - Vision Health Month
May - Child Care Month
Future Quesnel Council/Joint Committee Meeting
Next Delegation Meeting: Monday May 9
Next Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday May 16
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting: Tuesday May 17
Next Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday May 24
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