City eyes 6.55% tax increase for 2025 budget

A potential 6.55 per cent tax increase could be on the horizon for Prince George residents in 2025.

That’s according to a report that was presented to Prince George City Council’s Standing Committee on Finance and Audit at yesterday’s (Wednesday) meeting.

A one per cent increase translates to approximately $27.25 for the representative household, with a 6.55 per cent increase totaling roughly $178.49.

There are several service enhancements attached to the report that could drive the increase further:

• Increase RCMP contract strength from 153 members to 157 – four new members at $226,516 for a total of $906,064 (adds 0.65 per cent to the increase)
• Increase Police Support Services municipal employee staff by three: one assistant manager of Operations ($140,093); one victim services worker ($92,116) and one community policing coordinator ($96,785) for a total of $328,994 (0.24 per cent)
• Increase Fire Protection staff by five: five Firefighters ($132,354 each including $20,000 of clothing/training) and promote four senior firefighter positions to lieutenants at $17,588 each for a total of $732,122 (0.53 per cent)
• Increase Bylaw Service by four bylaw officers at $92,668 each plus $25,000 for equipment and training for a total of $395,672 (0.28 per cent)
• Increase Communications staff by one engagement specialist:  $106,797 (0.08 per cent)
• Increase Parks staff by two arborists: $198,574 (0.14 per cent), associated equipment ($701,500) would be procured in 2025 but would not hit the tax levy until 2026.
• Increase Parks staff by one recreation event coordinator at $108,278 and a non-labour base budget of $100,000 to manage Canada Day and other events in community parks for a total of $208,278 (0.15 per cent)
• Increase Planning and Development by one parks planner position for a total of $112,424 (0.08 per cent)

The service enhancements equate to an additional 2.01 per cent.

Council may add to or cut things from the budget at their discretion as well.

The report states a one per cent reduction in the tax levy equates to $1,388,391.

Prince George City Council’s 2025 budget meetings are scheduled for January 20th and 22nd.