The City of Maple Ridge will be asking the public's opinion of a proposed 5.5 per cent tax increase in 2025.
Members of council were glad to see the tax hike come down from the 6.9 per cent proposed jump staff brought to councillors for approval in December. However, Mayor Dan Ruimy would like to see the burden on taxpayers reduced further.
"I'm certainly liking the 5.5 (per cent), but I still think we can sharpen our pencils a little bit more," said the mayor, who previously tasked director of finance Trevor Thompson with sharpening his pencil last month.
Speaking after the Jan. 21 meeting where he made the comments, Ruimy said he does not have a target figure in mind, but believes there are still efficiencies to be had.
Even at 5.5 per cent the city's tax increase would be lower, or in line with, many neighbouring municipalities, he noted.
The key, the mayor said, is to keep taxes as low as possible, without compromising council's objectives, or putting off important projects.
"It's about striking a balance," said Ruimy.
The impact of a 5.5 per cent tax increase on the average home in Maple Ridge, with an assessed value of $1.1 million, would be an additional $154 per year.
Council also saw that sewer fees will be pumped up by 24 per cent, costing an additional $137 per year, and water fees will increase 4.5 per cent for another $35 in 2025.
Combined, municipal services, sewer and water would raise the average property tax bill $326 for 2025.
City hall staff will undertake community engagement for the 2025-2029 financial plan, "acknowledging that we're pretty far down the path with respect to our budget process," added Thompson.
The five-year plan calls for increases of 6.3 per cent in 2026 and 2027, and 3.9 per cent in 2028 and 2029.
Noteworthy to council was a plan to increase the number of RCMP officers by 10 in 2027, which accounts for 1.8 per cent of the proposed tax increase.
Now public engagement will include a public survey hosted both online and on paper from Jan. 22 until Feb. 16. The city is also planning three "pop-up" events on the budget over the coming weeks.