Powell River council has approved its timeline for putting the 2026 budget together.
The first draft of the budget is expected in councillors’ hands just before a Dec. 3 special council meeting.
An online survey will get feedback from ratepayers through December and January.
Chief Financial Officer Mallory Denniston told council Thursday night (Oct. 2) the assessment roll from BC Assessment will come in January which will show any major change to the mill lands.
“The mill is almost 20 per cent of the city’s property tax revenue so any unfavourable change to the assessment will shift the tax burden to the other taxpayers, resulting in tax increases,” Denniston said.
She noted council has stockpiled about $2.2 million in a tax stabilization reserve to offset any increases.
Denniston says there will be plenty of opportunity for the public to weigh in.
“The process includes 11 council meetings, an online survey, an in-person open house, all to ensure transparency and meaningful public input,” she said.
Councillors also agreed to bring big ideas for what could be cut in the budget to the December meeting.
It’s expected the budget would be approved in March 2026.
The 2025 budget resulted in a 9.5 per cent tax levy increase.
