Both Area C and the Town of Oliver face a budget increase when it comes to paying for regional governance but more importantly a rise in the cost of operating joint services.

In 2014 – Town of Oliver budget at RDOS $988,168

Increasing to $ 1,073,018 in 2015

In 2014 Area C budget at RDOS $1,361,421

Increasing to $ 1,450,198 in 2015

Budget matters are complex in nature as this is a preliminary look at the budget which might increase or fall depending on decisions around the board table. A lot of the costs are structural in nature and based on previous decisions and any referendum passed by the electorate.

Area C and the Town will spend $108,00 on management of the Frank Venables Theatre and $196,853 paying on a loan for its construction. All of that cost results in an increase in the tax requisition for both jurisdictions.

If you had access to the line items you would see some costs coming down and others going up.  One substantial increase noticed is  budget line for Oliver Parks and Recreation – increasing $23,045 for capital improvements. Most other costs are in line with this year’s budget.

A final reminder: The budget process at the RDOS lasts about 4 months before final passage but decisions made early and direction to staff have the most impact on the final tax requisition.