Surrey residents are not happy campers with mayor Doug McCallum’s late budget or the 2.9 percent increase in property taxes. The budget report states a “property tax rate increase of approximately $63 for the average assessed single-family dwelling that will predominately be used to offset increased public safety resourcing and expenditures.” However, earlier this year, many residents and businesses were shocked to find out their property tax hike was far greater than the promised 2.9 per cent. They see a similar pattern for the current increase and want more transparency.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – Surrey residents are not happy campers with mayor Doug McCallum’s late budget or the 2.9 percent increase in property taxes.

The budget report states a “property tax rate increase of approximately $63 for the average assessed single-family dwelling that will predominantly be used to offset increased public safety resourcing and expenditures.”

However, earlier this year, many residents and businesses were shocked to find out their property tax hike was far greater than the promised 2.9 per cent. They see a similar pattern for the current increase and want more transparency.

 “Ensuring that the average property tax rate remains constant remains a priority for Council,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “By keeping the property tax rate the same for the fourth year in a row provides stability and certainty for our residents as we work our way through the evolving COVID pandemic. While Council has held the line on property taxes, we have also made sure that Surrey is prepared to thrive when COVID is behind us.  Major capital projects in the Five Year (2022–2026) Financial Plan are funded in this budget, including the fast tracking of a new Olympic size, 50-meter pool as the first component of the new Newton Community Centre.”

City of Surrey Budget: 2020, 2021, 2022 (CNW Group/National Police Federation)

City is funding 9 new projects in the proposed 2022-2026 Capital Financial Budget:

*Police Training Facility

*Tamanawis Park – 3rd Field Hockey Turf and Changeroom

*Crescent Park Pickleball Courts

*Fleetwood Firehall #6 Relocation

*Bus Layover Facility

*New Park Washrooms

*Park Improvements

*Disc Golf at Port Mann Park

*Future Sport Facility Site Development

The new projects are in addition to the following 16 public infrastructure projects funded in last year’s budget.

The operating budget for police related services, which include the RCMP and the Surrey Police Service, was at $184 million in the 2021 Budget. City staff regularly reviews this item as the transition progresses and has budgeted $194.8 million for police related services in the 2022 Budget, which includes the funding of the new salary increases for RCMP members.

Councillors Brenda Locke, Linda Annis and Jack Hundial voted against the general operating, capital program and utilities and other self-funded programs budgets. Coun. Steven Pettigrew wasn’t in attendance at the meeting.

At a special meeting on Christmas eve, McCallum and his majority on council approved the 2022 budget.