Richmond council will consider a recommended overall tax increase of 6.32 per cent for 2020, which would add about $14.5 million more to the city’s coffers than in 2019.
Council will deliberate on next year’s expenditures at Monday’s finance committee meeting. The total operating budget suggested for next is $340 million. In addition, they will look at the capital budget of $155 million and the library budget that is proposed at almost $10 million.
In November, council already approved the utilities budget for $124 million.
A staff report, that will be dealt with at next Monday’s finance committee meeting, attributes 59 per cent of the increase in the operating budget to more fire fighters and RCMP.
In 2019, the city funded 12 fire-rescue personnel, 35 RCMP officers and 13 municipal employees to support the RCMP detachment. In 2020, there will be 12 new fire-rescue personnel, 12 new RCMP officers and five municipal employees to support the RCMP.
The police budget would increase from $93.2 million in 2019 to almost $100 million in 2020.
Taxes and levies account for 69 per cent of the city’s total revenue while gaming, at an estimated $14.5 million, will make up four per cent of the budget.
The average residential tax bill in Richmond in 2019 was $1,745.
Some items, like the Capstan Canada Line Station at $27 million, are being paid for by developer contributions.
Other capital projects include a multi-use pathway on Steveston Highway for $6 million, Minoru Lakes renewal project at $4.1 million, park and other land acquisition at $14 million and upgrades to the Richmond Ice Centre at $6.9 million.
