Kimberley City Council Report

By Nowell Berg

On October 23, Kimberley city council held its bi-monthly meeting.

Councillors Kent Goodwin, Albert Hoglund, Nigel Kitto, Bev Middlebrook, Darryl Oakley and Sandra Roberts were present along with Mayor Don McCormick.

Prior to starting the council meeting, Mayor McCormick called for one-minute of silence to honour those who died in the Fernie Arena ammonia leak.

An over-flowing gallery was in attendance, more than 75 people crowded into council chambers, many having to sit on the floor or stand along the walls and in the hallway.

After calling the meeting to order, Mayor McCormick suggested the second last item on the agenda, a motion presented by the Mayor regarding Marysville benchland, be moved to the beginning. Council agreed. Please see separate story.

Forest Crowne residents protest property tax increase

Two Forest Crowne residents spoke during question period asking council why their property taxes, and those of their neighbours, went up by an average $1,100 per property compared to the previous year.

A resident, only identified as Chris, questioned the tax increase given that residents “don’t get any more services than anyone else.” He noted the community doesn’t have an emergency road exit as most other Kimberley neighbourhoods do. He also complained about the lack of prompt snow clearing last winter. It took “several days” before snow was removed from their streets compared to other areas of the city. This situation could pose a serious problem for the retired residents as emergency vehicles would have no access to the community in a time of crisis.

Coun. Oakley, sympathetic to the tax increase, noted that taxes on the house he lives in started out a $900/year and are currently $4,000. He said he understood their frustration.

Chris finally asked, “Why did taxes increased so high, if property assessment remained the same?”

The question remained unanswered.

Mayor McCormick did say the city receives just over 70% of the tax dollars collected; the remainder goes to Interior Health, Regional District of East Kootenay and School District No. 6. He also stated that what he hears from all residents is that they do not “want service cuts.” Given that, the only other options are to find new money or increase taxes of residents and businesses.

The Mayor did say snow removal is “being reviewed” and will be modified to provide Forest Crowne residents with “better service.” As for the emergency road exit, “We will look into it.”

Kimberley City Council meets twice monthly. All meetings start at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Check the city’s website here for the meeting agenda. Click on the 2017 folder and follow the link.

The next council meeting will be Tuesday, November 14.

It’s your city; get involved.

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