The City of Port Alberni has adopted its 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan, with the tax rate for the average single-family residential home set at 13.98 per cent this year.
This will equal a $354.08 tax increase for a $516,563 home.
Port Alberni city council first started discussing the budget back in October of 2024. Andrew McGifford, the city's manager of finance, says that the theme of this year's budget is capital and infrastructure. The city is dealing with an "infrastructure deficit," as aging city assets need to be repaired and replaced.
In an attempt to balance the budget this year, council reduced spending for things like the museum, vehicle replacement and councillor travel budgets. Council agreed to cut funding to the Port Alberni Visitor Centre and also voted to increase user fees for its facilities.
In a statement, Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions thanked residents of Port Alberni for providing their perspective and feedback on the budget.
“As a council we faced some of the toughest budget decisions we've ever had to make and we did not make them lightly," she said. "We recognize that many are feeling uneasy and, at times, overwhelmed by the challenges of today’s world. In light of this, council made every effort to critically assess the budget, identifying cost-savings opportunities where possible."
The financial plan must be adopted before May 15 each year in order to set tax rates, complete filing and distribute tax notices. Municipalities are required by the Community Charter to adopt a five-year financial plan, however the tax rate is set annually.
