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Decreased Area A budget still supports many projects
In spite of a decrease of 4.1% on an average residential assessment for 2021, the Electoral Area A portion of the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) budget is already making a big impact through the programs and services it supports.
“I am always very aware of the importance of keeping the line on taxation, while maintaining services for residents. I work closely with the RDEK staff to achieve this balance and this year, am very proud to see an overall decrease in the Electoral Area A residential tax rate,” explained RDEK Electoral Area A Director Mike Sosnowski.
“From contributing $10,000 for the Fernie Holy Family Parish Bell Tower repairs, to helping the Fernie Historical Society digitize the Free Press, supporting Angel Flight East Kootenay, planned diking work, highway access improvements in Hosmer and much needed renovations to their Fire Hall, it’s rewarding to see our tax dollars at work making an impact for residents in the Valley.”
While there are a number of different services residents of Area A participate in, depending on where they live, the average $379,000 residential property in Area A will see an overall decrease of 4.1% this year.
Some of the major capital projects planned for Area A include the construction of two fire bays and renovation of the Hosmer Fire Hall, which will be paid for through Area A’s portion of the Elk Valley Mine Tax Sharing Grant; the $1 million Hill Road Dike project, which has been 75% funded by a Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant; and participation in the construction of an Elk Valley composting facility as part of the Regional Organics Composting Project, which has been two-thirds funded by a provincial/federal grant.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to see many of the projects move forward this year and am proud to support so many local projects that will have a profound impact on our communities for years to come,” added Sosnowski.
Lead image: Fernie Holy Family Parish church. e-KNOW file photo
RDEK
