The Town of Golden’s 2024 proposed 2024-2028 financial plan is now available as part of the 2024 Budget Book online, and in-person at Town Hall.
At the March 19, Regular Open Council meeting, Mayor and Council passed the first reading of the proposed budget and five-year financial plan. The Town is committed to sound financial management and developing a responsible budget.
“There has been no other time in our corporate history when we have faced such significant challenges to our traditional budgets and operations. The post-pandemic impacts of skyrocketing marketplace costs, inflation, and interest rates have created significant challenges for us like everyone else in the economy. The addition of demands for new and higher service levels and development is adding to that pressure, and this is being weathered and shown by nearly every other municipality, regional district and other taxing authority in B.C.,” said Mayor Ron Oszust. “Nevertheless, Council is committed to maintaining reserve contributions, and we have undergone a comprehensive reckoning of our annual budget to find efficiencies while still delivering the services we have committed to. As usual, our granting successes will show in both new and continuing projects happening this year which we are always excited to bring forward.”
Highlights from the Budget:
- Meeting service level expectations & keeping up with growth: the proposed budget will allow the Town of Golden to maintain current service levels while also meeting the changing needs and expectations of a growing community. The budget allows the Town to continue delivering core programs and services, while still saving for the future through reserve contributions.
- Budget increase: in an environment of increasing costs, the proposed budget increase will allow the Town to offset increasing costs, while still presenting a responsible budget that does not require a large tax increase. Despite a 14 per cent increase to the municipal budget to achieve this, the initial estimated average tax increase is approximately 6.6 per cent, based on what is proposed in the 2024 Budget Book. This reflects what is happening across most municipalities in B.C.
- 2024 Notable projects and initiatives:
- The Downtown Plaza Revitalization project will be officially completed this spring.
- Work will begin on Well 7 at Dogwood Park.
- Continued progress will be made on the Integrated Sanitary Sewer Upgrades project, along with the replacement of the Edelweiss sanitary lift station.
- Additional earthen dike work is scheduled along the Kicking Horse River.
- Staff support will continue to be provided for the provincial Kicking Horse Bridge replacement project.
- Short-term rental regulations will be implemented.
- Council Chambers will undergo an audio-visual upgrade to support recorded meetings, enhancing transparency and information accessibility.
- Work will continue on the Mount 7 Rec Plex block to enhance the recreation experiences being offered.
- Funded through the Resort Municipality Initiative, portions of the Trans-Canada Highway corridor will see new irrigation infrastructure and an expanded washroom facility at the Visitor Information Centre will be built.
“A fundamental part of the budget process is making sure that residents understand the budget and have an opportunity to provide input,” explained Chief Administrative Officer, Jon Wilsgard. “We encourage residents to participate and provide their thoughts through the online survey. This is a chance for the community to ask questions, give feedback, learn about the different services the Town offers, and understand Council’s direction for 2024 and beyond.”
Residents are invited to provide feedback on the proposed budget and financial plan from now until April 3 through the following opportunities:
- Take the online survey at golden.ca/budget from March 20 until April 3.
- Attend an upcoming Council Meeting:
- April 2 at 7 p.m. in person in Council Chambers or via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/99030675368
- Email: clerk@golden.ca title email as “2024 budget.”
- Mail: Corporate Officer, Box 350, Golden, B.C, V0A 1H0.
The public consultation period ends on April 3, 2024.
For more information, and to stay informed, visit golden.ca/budget.