Homeowners in Richmond will pay an extra 2.98 per cent in property taxes next year.
City council formally approved the 2013 operating budget, which included the tax increase, one of the lowest in the Lower Mainland.
The rise - which includes one per cent being tucked away into the city's reserves for future infrastructure - is identical to that for 2012.
City council's finance committee unanimously approved the budget last week, which calls for a $5-million increase in spending, needed to maintain services levels across Richmond.
The city's financial experts described next year's budget process as "challenging," given the costs of providing programs in a growing community.
"This is a very prudent budget that is very responsible in these uncertain economic times," said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
