Council Budget Discussions Continue March 10, 2025

A budget deliberation meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., where Council will review the proposed 2025-2029 Financial Plan and consider options for the 2025 budget.

Following Council’s direction from previous budget discussions, staff have developed four budget scenarios, reflecting tax increases ranging from 9.99% to 15.29%. These scenarios aim to balance fiscal responsibility, service commitments, and long-term financial sustainability while addressing current economic realities.

Budget Adjustments and Key Cost Drivers

At the January 20, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, staff presented a budget with a 16.04% tax increase. Since then, operational efficiencies and expenditure reviews have resulted in approximately $128,000 in cost reductions, bringing the proposed tax increase to 15.29%.

Several key factors are contributing to budget pressures, including:

RCMP policing costs: 5.55% of the tax increase.
E-Comm service fees (a new provincial cost): 2.35%.
Asset management investments: 2%.
General District operating cost increases: 5.38%.

What This Means for Sooke Residents

The proposed 15.29% increase equates to an estimated additional $19.68 per month ($236.22 per year) for the average single-family homeowner, based on a BC Assessment home value of $770,284. These funds directly support essential services such as fire rescue, policing, road maintenance, parks, and infrastructure.

Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Planning

Council will be considering the trade-offs between tax relief and long-term financial stability. Key considerations include:

How reserve funds should be used to mitigate tax impacts while maintaining financial security.
Ensuring core services—such as fire rescue and police staffing—remain adequately funded.
Managing future infrastructure needs while keeping costs affordable for residents.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The March 10 meeting will help shape the final 2025-2029 Financial Plan. Key dates in the budget process include:

March 24, 2025 – First, Second, and Third Readings of the 2025 Budget (anticipated date).
April 2, 2025 – Community Budget Open House to provide further information on 2025 priorities.
April 7, 2025 – Final Budget Adoption (anticipated date).

Residents are encouraged to follow the discussions. The March 10 meeting will be livestreamed on the District’s YouTube channel and open to the public at Council Chambers.

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