By ROY WOOD

An average homeowner in Oliver will pay $10.06 more in municipal tax this year than last year, according to a financial plan given three readings at council on Tuesday.

Mayor Ron Hovanes, in congratulating council and staff on keeping the tax increase to a minimum said, “We do an awful lot for what we take in.”

Councillor Jack Bennest added: “The town has always been quite prudent. … We are proud of what we have done.”

Elsewhere in the budget:

• An average commercial property will see its property tax rise $16.10.
• Garbage and recycling rates remain the same as last year at $110
• Sewer rates are going up by $4.10 to $332.10.
• Metered water rates will increase by 1.5% to 60 cents per cubic metre.
• Of the $11.3 million in spending: $6.4 million goes to the general operating and capital fund; $3.7 million to the water fund; and $1.2 million to the sewer fund.
• On the income side: $3.8 million comes from grants, mainly provincial; user fees and sales of services account for $3.3 million; property taxes bring in $1.4 million; and other sources contribute about $2.7 million.

The five-year financial plan will be adopted at the April 11 regular council meeting.