Port Coquitlam residents looking to weigh-in on the city's financial plan will get the opportunity at an open house on March 10.
The event, which will take place between 9 a.m. and noon at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex main foyer, will provide an informal opportunity for residents to learn more about municipal finances.
Staff and council will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback on everything from capital projects planned for 2012 city services and taxes.
But the public open house will not be the only opportunity residents have to comment on the financial plan.
With the current draft document a typical single family home owner in Port Coquitlam would see a $70 (3.77%) increase in property tax, a $25 (6.8%) increase in water rates and a $16 (5.7%) increase in sewer rates. Garbage collect rates would remain the same.
The city is also considering allocating $494,000 for long-term infrastructure funding, which will be set aside for the eventual replacement of some of the city's aging roads and public works.
The 2012-2016 financial plan has been posted on the city's website and people are invited to ask questions and provide their thoughts online between now and March 12.
Comment forms and emails are also welcome, according to city staff.
Hard copes of the plan can be picked up at city hall (2580 Shaughessy St.) and online versions are available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget.
The financial plan bylaw is expected to be brought before council on April 9 for first reading followed by final reading and adoption on April 23.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
THE 2012-2016 FINANCIAL PLAN
