District of Taylor increasing recreation fees, staff salaries

TAYLOR, B.C. — The District of Taylor discussed increasing fees for certain services available in the area, as well as the salaries of district staff and council in a committee of the whole meeting on Monday.

Moira Green, CAO with the District of Taylor, says council agreed to a two per cent cost of living increase for all staff, as well as three per cent that can be earned based on performance.

Green says each district member has an annual review where past performance and future goals are discussed, which is captured in the district’s compensation policy.

Taylor’s wage grid is reviewed every three years against the district’s benchmark communities to ensure they remain competitive and in line with council’s human resources strategy.

During the meeting, there was a discussion on the 2024 fees and charges review and a more in-depth discussion about water, sewer and garbage fees and community services summer user fees and charges.

Green says there was no more than a 10 per cent increase overall, and if the fees were competitive with benchmark communities, there was no increase.

“The Peace Island Park fees are a bit confusing,  but essentially, what we have done is remove the reservation fee,” Green explained.  

“It should simplify booking quite a lot. For clarity, there is a software administration charge on the bill. That is collected by the service provider to pay for the software.”

She said they are investigating whether the receipt can say the fee is an administrative charge.

Additionally, the new pet bylaw that was recently passed requires cats to be licensed in 2024, and Green says pet licenses will be free of charge in January.

Last December, district staff provided council with an updated version of the fees and charges bylaw for review, which was pulled back from further review. Staff made the amendments with council’s notes in mind and brought the updated version during Monday’s meeting.