Port Moody Mayor Rob Vagramov says everything is on the table as council continues its efforts to further whittle down a property tax increase that’s currently estimated to be 5.55%.
That could include the pursuit of new revenue opportunities from allowing a casino or the installation of billboards.
Vagramov told a special town hall meeting held Tuesday about the city’s 2019 budget that economic development to expand the city’s tax base is a priority.
“I’m hoping to see a renewed focus on that and stepping up our game,” he said.
Vagramov also pointed to neighbouring communities like Coquitlam that get a significant boost to their coffers from gaming revenues.
In a referendum held during the 2011 civic election, Port Moody voters rejected the notion of a casino but Coun. Steve Milani said that was “a long time ago.”
During the meeting, councillors got an earful from residents and business owners, from criticism about perceived extravagances like a strategic planning retreat held last weekend at Harrison Hot Springs to suggestions for new revenue streams like cannabis retail licences.
Vagramov said there are economies to be found as council continues its efforts to lessen this year’s property tax hit. He said the current proposed rate is already down from an initial staff recommendation of a 7.36% tax increase.
That has been achieved by cutting several items, including the Shoreline Shuttle bus that ran on summer weekends between Inlet Centre and Moody Centre — it was launched last year to relieve traffic and parking congestion around Rocky Point Park — as well as funding for a proposed busker program, new heron ecosculptures, the replacement of the city’s cultural services van and the installation of GPS technology in the city’s fleet of vehicles.
Port Moody’s chief financial officer, Paul Rockwood, added several staff proposals for new positions and services at city hall were also excised to save money.
Vagramov suggested further efficiencies could be found by streamlining the way council consults the public on major issues “so we get an accurate gauge of what the public thinks, and not just from those people who come out.” Even minor expenditures, like buying more Christmas lights for civic displays, will come under the microscope, he added.
Coun. Meghan Lahti said council has to find a balance between saving money and maintaining the quality of life in the city residents have come to enjoy.
“You can’t take it all away or people start complaining,” she said.
Vagramov suggested more partnerships might be the way to go, adding a new agreement with the local seniors group, The Club, will give the city access to possibly use its bus to revive the Shoreline Shuttle service on busy weekends at Rocky Point Park, like during Golden Spike Days and RibFest.
Coun. Zoe Royer said sponsorships might help pay for amenities like Christmas displays and Coun. Amy Lubik said grants are available to help the city pursue environmental and social inclusion initiatives.
Vagramov rejected suggestions council has been spending freely since getting elected last November. He said last weekend’s planning retreat at Harrison, which included all seven council members as well as 10 senior members of city staff, was “one of the most productive,” and the issuing of new digital equipment like computers and tablets to councillors is standard procedure for each new term.
Still, Coun. Diana Dilworth said, council has to ensure its own financial house is in order if it expects residents to be on board with the new budget, adding keeping the strategic planning weekend in the city would have been “an opportunity to support our local businesses.”
The final budget numbers are expected to be presented to council in April for adoption in May. Property tax rates must be set by May 15.
The city is taking online feedback until Feb. 12. Go to www.portmoody.ca/budget for a link to the form.
