City adopts 2023 tax rate bylaw

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Fort St. John City Hall. A large white building with three flag poles and flags in front of it. — Fort St. John City Hall (City of Fort St. John)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John has adopted this year’s tax rate bylaw, increasing property taxes by 3.27 per cent compared to 2022.

The residential tax rate has increased from 5.1865 in 2022 to 5.3564 this year.

An average residential property valued at $342, 858 will see an increase of $58.25 for the 2023 tax year.

The increase is meant to help offset the city’s $5.6 million deficit in its operational budget. Three major areas contributing to the deficit were mentioned in a January presentation to council: costs for staffing; goods and services; and contracted and general services, such as the RCMP.

Council approved the city’s capital budget for 2023 in January, earmarking $52 million on roads, buildings and infrastructure. Property taxes do not fund the capital budget. Instead, the funds for the capital budget come through grants, utility reserves, and the Peace River Agreement.

Now that the bylaw has been passed, the city will issue taxation notices for its residents.