City of Penticton has passed on a 0% tax increase to taxpayers for an unprecedented third year in a row after Council adopted the 2013 budget Monday night.

“Holding the line on taxes for a third year is an incredible achievement and shows the City’s dedication to fiscal responsibility,” said Mayor Dan Ashton. “All staff and Council members sharpened their pencils and reviewed this budget line by line to ensure spending is in the best interest of taxpayers as these tough economic times continue.”

This is the third year that the City of Penticton has not increased tax rates, as the 2012 budget included a 0% increase and 2011 featured a 0.5% tax decrease. This direction is in line with the recent Citizen Survey, which indicated 79% of residents recommended the City maintain current levels of service and taxation.