The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors has given first review to the draft Five-Year Financial Plan for the years 2017 – 2021 and is now seeking public input.

“Our staff have been working since October to put together the Financial Plan. Meetings with Directors, staff and various commissions continue this month,” said RDEK Board Chair and Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay. “The Financial Plan lays out how tax dollars are being spent on services in the RDEK and we strongly encourage residents and property owners to get a copy or contact our Financial Services Department to ask questions or learn about more specifics.”

The overall draft budget proposes a 2.4% increase over 2016; however, it’s important to remember in the RDEK model, municipalities and electoral areas are all affected differently depending which RDEK services they receive.

The 2017 operating budget is $28.1 million, which is virtually unchanged from 2016. “We have worked hard to balance the provision of services and tax impacts. The plan will come back before the board next month and we encourage people to let us know their thoughts through the public comment period,” said Gay.

The public comment period is open until 10 a.m. on February 27.

Copies of the plan and comment forms are available on the RDEK’s website and through its Cranbrook and Invermere offices. A two page “snapshot” will be added Tuesday and provide a condensed overview.

The Five-Year Financial Plan is expected to be adopted at the March board meeting.

RDEK

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