Here are some budget-related highlights, taken from our February 10, 2025 Notes from Council summary.

That full summary is available here.

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• The budget will include consideration of an increase to residential water rates. As proposed the rates will rise to $184.50, from $164 this year (July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025), and beginning in 2026 the water rate would become $205. These charges are a standalone cost on residential property tax notices.
  
• An additional grant of $10,284 will be added to the draft operating budget for wages at the Kitimat Museum & Archives.
• An additional grant request of $75,000 will be added to the draft operating budget for additional staffing at Mount Elizabeth Theatre.
  • Council also directed that a letter be sent to the Coast Mountains School District, noting Council's concerns with increased operating costs for Mount Elizabeth Theatre.
• An addition of 1.8% to the Kitimat Public Library's November 12, 2024 grant request for wages has been referred to the draft operating budget.
• A grant request of $50,000 for the Shames Mountain My Mountain Co-op for their annual operations has been added to the draft operating budget.
• Staff are also directed to report back to Council with a list of any time-sensitive capital projects for 2025 for consideration of early approval.

The next budget meeting is set for February 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.