Council Budget Discussions Begin Monday, January 20

Budget discussions for the District of Sooke’s 2025 financial plan will begin during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, January 20, 2025. Residents are invited to listen to these discussions as Council works to balance community priorities with fiscal responsibility.

The preliminary budget includes a potential tax rate adjustment to support investments in emergency services and infrastructure. Currently, the drafted increase of 16% includes:

$951,681 or 7.72% increase for policing, including E-Comm - new costs for emergency dispatch services, prorated for 3 quarters (April to December);

2% increase for Asset Management to ensure the District can maintain and replace infrastructure over the long term;

$512,286 or 4.16% non-discretionary increases which include items such as municipal by-election, staffing obligations (contract and committed net new positions - Executive Office Coordinator, Firefighter, Part-time Bylaw Officer previously funded by COVID Reserves), licensing fees, insurance, etc., and

$266,947 or 2.17% discretionary increases which includes staffing considerations (Firefighter, Parks Labourer, Auxiliary Senior Financial Accountant hours, Auxiliary Clerk hours), fire operating expenses, and parks operating expenses.

It is important to emphasize that this rate is a starting point for discussion. No decisions have been made, and it is anticipated that Council will explore opportunities to refine the budget while considering the community’s feedback through phase one of budget engagement.

Public input gathered during the (phase one) engagement has informed the development of this draft. Residents are encouraged to continue engaging in the process by attending meetings and participating in the Budget Open House.

Upcoming Opportunities for Engagement
Following Council’s initial review and preliminary decisions, a Budget Open House will be scheduled in the coming weeks. This will provide the community with an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about the 2025 financial plan.

The January 20th meeting starts at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers at 2205 Otter Point Road and will also be webcast live on our YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

Learn more by reading the related staff report.