CITY OF SURREY PROPERTY TAX INCREASES
On December 22, the Surrey Board of Trade presented its observations on the City of Surrey Financial Plan for 2022-2026, and government budget recommendations on December 23 at the City of Surrey Finance Committee meeting.
“The Surrey Board of Trade monitors public sector spending to maximize productivity in the economy and encourage growth in the private sector,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “The City Budget is important as we evaluate whether Surrey's tax rates are conducive for business growth, retention and infrastructure investments. This year, especially in light of the pandemic, we predict that with increased fees from the City of Surrey, their capital parcel tax and other taxes from other levels of government, that businesses will face a significant hit on their property tax bills in 2022.”
SURREY BOARD OF TRADE CITY BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS: 1. TRANSPARENCY
More time is needed for the public to review the budget and to provide input.
2. SURREY NEEDS TO APPOINT AN AUDITOR GENERAL
An Auditor General, reporting to Council, independent from management, reports on how well the City manages its revenues, expenses and capital investments from the perspective of economy, efficiency and effectiveness of City activities.
3. TAXES
Surrey says that it offers one of the lowest tax regimes, but our concern with this budget and financial plan is the intrinsic and increased fees on services to create a balanced budget and to drive revenue.
For example, the development cost charges are set to increase significantly in 2022, driving up the cost of housing.
4. INVESTMENTS
a. Cannabis investments in Surrey could lead to a needed revenue stream for the city budget. b. Great work on digitization and streamlining efficiencies. c. There is an opportunity not realized by the City of Surrey to create long lasting, respectful partnerships with our Indigenous communities for economic development that could drive revenue to benefit the City – residents and businesses.
5. DOWNLOADING OF COSTS TO SURREY
The Surrey Board of Trade recommends reporting on the downloading of costs to the City by different levels of government. There could be a model for new opportunities and new working models.
6. GREEN CITY FUND
The Green City Fund is supposed to be used to enhance the green space within our city, but our concern is that this money could be made liquid and used for other purposes. There is a lack of transparency as to which projects are being funded by these substantial dollars paid by developers and builders.
7. PUBLIC SAFETY
Recommendation: Council should request a report from the Police Board reconciling its 2021 operating budget to that approved by Council.
8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We must make strategic investments now, not only in parks and recreation centres, but also cultural corridor investments, a performing arts centre, tourism assets, convention centre infrastructure, hotel room business attraction, transportation (road improvements and expansions).
9. HOUSING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
A comprehensive housing strategy needs investment, in alignment with land use and transportation throughout Surrey, as part of a comprehensive un-siloed economic development strategy. There is an opportunity to partner with non-profits to build affordable housing by reducing fees and further expediting the permitting and approvals process for these developers.
10. TRANSPORTATION
a. Identifying Road Priorities
The Surrey Board of Trade was pleased to work with the City of Surrey this past year on our annual Surrey Road Survey, identifying roads/walkways/bikeways that are a priority to Surrey businesses. b. Road & Traffic Safety Utility Levy: The lack of an increased Roads & Traffic Safety Levy for 2022-2026 is a problem. This is the third year that the road levy has not been increased. c. Workforce Transit
The City of Surrey needs to implement an employment lands transportation plan in conjunction with Translink and Metro Vancouver. For example, the Campbell Heights area will be a large source of jobs, however, there is little transit investment in the area.
11. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE INVESTMENTS
The November 2021 floods in BC bring home the risks of not being prepared. Regional and provincial issues, policies, and restraints brings complexity, opportunities and risks to our city's climate change actions.