Two Richmond city councillors voted against the 2025 budget. One voted in opposition as he thought taxes should be lower while the other voted in opposition because the budget didn't include more money for blackberry removal.
The budget passed, however, on Monday with the majority approving a 5.86-per-cent increase to property taxes.
Coun. Chak Au suggested lowering the tax increase to 5.55 per cent by using more of the rate stabilization fund, which is comprised of previous surpluses.
This was not supported by other councillors.
In response to Au’s suggestion, Coun. Carol Day referred to future electioneering.
“Now we know what the next election brochure is going to say – ‘stop the taxes,’” Day said.
Meanwhile, Coun. Michael Wolfe voted against the operating budget due to the fact more blackberry removal wasn’t included in it.
Wolfe was referring to a half-million-dollar item not recommended by staff whereby two people would have been hired to manage the invasive Himalayan blackberries.
This would have brought the budget increase up to 6.03 per cent or the money could have been taken from the rate stabilization fund.
Wolfe also voted against the capital budget because it included $2.5 million for placing CCTV cameras at 10 intersections in Richmond.
These cameras would be used by RCMP to investigate crimes, unlike the current intersection cameras that don't identify faces or licence plates.
Furthermore, Wolfe opposed using $5 million for the higher-than-expected cost of new fire trucks because it was coming from a fund that he understood was earmarked to mitigate any disaster from the jet-fuel pipeline and tank farm in south Richmond.
City solicitor Anthony Capuccinello Iraci, however, said insurance, indemnities and contractual obligations would cover any spill or damage caused by the jet fuel line.
Using this fund for fire trucks isn’t “inconsistent” with its purpose, said Iraci.
Average tax increase of $128 per single-family household
The 5.86-per-cent tax increase is equivalent to an additional $128 in municipal taxes for an average residential property with an assessed value of about $1.3 million.
The proposed operating budget comprises several factors including an increase of six RCMP officers and two Richmond Fire-Rescue captains, a one-per-percent increase in community infrastructure, as well as increases due to negotiated collective agreements and increases in senior levels of government costs.
The proposed capital budget of $152.6 million represents 78 capital projects.
The replacement or upgrading of infrastructure and buildings, such as dike, pump stations and generator upgrades makes up 60 per cent of the budget.
Also included this year is the expansion of Richmond’s electric vehicle charging network.
Public can comment on proposed 5-Year Financial Plan
The city will undertake public consultation, in accordance with the Community Charter, in early January through LetsTalkRichmond.ca.
After feedback has been received, reviewed and provided to city council, the bylaw will go back to council for adoption.
To review reports on the operating and capital budgets, and 5-Year Financial Plan, check the Dec. 9 council meeting agenda and minutes at richmond.ca/citycouncil.
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