Saanich council approved a core budget aimed at allowing municipal operations to continue without burdening residents with high property tax increase in light of COVID-19.
The District of Saanich is facing unusual circumstances that require different approaches to financial matters. Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and recognizing these extraordinary times, Council has directed staff to create a budget that allows the municipality to continue base operations.
“The COVID-19 pandemic affects each and every one of us and it’s so important that we do our part now,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “We will concentrate on continuing our current service levels and we also recognize that expanding our services is not realistic right now. Saanich is committed to protecting our residents, both owners and renters, as well as businesses from financial impacts wherever possible, and that’s why we will limit the property tax increase to only support the basic municipal services.”
Read the full news release here.