Surrey city council has approved recommendations for the city's 2014 financial plan at its annual budget meeting, permitting new increases to property taxes and utility fees.
Council okayed a 2.9% property tax hike – roughly a $44.40 increase for the average home in Surrey – and a $68.94 increase in utilities. The fees break down as follows: $15.31 for a road and traffic levy, $19.36 for water, $19.26 for sewer, $13 for drainage and $2 for garbage.
In addition, homeowners with secondary suites will have to pay an extra $15 per year on their suite fees, bringing the total to $410. Based on the previous average of $2,582 for property tax and utilities, homeowners will now have yearly bills around $2,764 – or $3,174 if they have a suite.
"Surrey's gone through a significant transition over the last number of years and I think that, when you look at some of the issues that we face here in the city, secondary suites has been by far one of the largest issues that I personally have had to deal with as a member of council," said Councilor Tom Gill, who also chairs the city's finance committee.
"The budget for 2014 articulates revenues of almost $12 million that are going to be coming in from secondary suite fees. These secondary suite fees are really helping us with our infrastructure and much of our capital."
Gill said the revenue collected from secondary suite fees will help fund the city's Build Surrey projects, including the two pools in Guildford and Grandview.
Council also discussed Surrey's parking utility, set to start up next year with the underground parkade at the new city hall. Spaces will cost $75 per month for non-reserved parking, $130 per month for reserved parking and $1.50 per hour for public use.
The budget also allows for 12 new police officers, plus five additional support staff. No new firefighters, bylaw officers or animal control officers were budgeted for.
The city expects to spend $9 million on labour contract increases and $2.4 million on third party increases.
- With files from Amy Reid
