City Council trimmed their wish list yesterday, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, and the number of people in Port Alberni who are currently out of work or on reduced hours.
The Welcome Sign and 3rd Avenue Revitalization plans were put on hold, unless the city can attract grant funds from the federal or provincial governments, removing $600,000 from the 2020 budget.
Mayor Sharie Minions said while taxpayers were originally looking at a 4.3% tax increase, council has pared that down significantly.
“We made net reductions of about $850,000 yesterday, so that, I believe will take us under 1% or very close to that,” she said.
Minions said City revenues are down by $160,000 due to the loss of gaming revenues, and the closure of recreation facilities, where many part time and casual staff were laid off.
The city saved $600,000 by not having to tear down the Arrowview Hotel, and will put $200,000 into COVID-19 response and recovery.
Staff will make changes to the 5-year financial plan and present it for second and third reading at the next meeting in one week.
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