Prince George City Council finalizes zero percent budget
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A zero percent tax hike was finalized at last night’s (Monday) Council meeting.
Councilor Brian Skakun was in favor of the announcement, along with Councilor Kyle Sampson.
“There are many people in our community that didn’t need a break this year but there are also many that did,” explained Councilor Sampson.
However, Councilor Cori Ramsay says this decision could present some issues in the future.
“I was an advocate for anything other than zero on the tax levy as I do think our financials are going to be largely impacted next year when we have to open up for a restart and have to build some of those expenditures into our budget,” said Ramsay.
So long and thanks for all the fish.
Prince George City Council voted unanimously to close the Four Seasons Pool permanently at tonight’s (Monday) meeting.
In its current idle state, about $459,000 is being spent on the FSLP for maintenance.
Both the Aquatic Centre and Four Seasons were closed in March due to the pandemic, however, the Aquatic Centre reopened in September with new regulations.
“Eventually, we are going to have to say goodbye to this facility, so I’m wondering if we can do it sooner rather than later,” said Councillor Cori Ramsay during discussions.
The closure will result in savings of around $150,000 to $200,000, according to Administration.
“We voted for a $12.6 million project when Administration knew it would be over $20 million. The people in this community are outraged and I’m outraged, and the more I look into this, it just stinks in my opinion,” he said.
“None of this would have come out if I hadn’t asked for this report and I think that is absolutely appalling.”
Cost increases were attributed to tariffs on American aluminium and steel, as well as increased labour costs due to a ‘competitive’ construction market.
$11.7 million went towards replacing ageing infrastructure in the area and relocating utilities, the report explained.