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Students get hard lessons in safe drving P. 12
Serving Ladysmith, Chemainus and area
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
He rolled up the rim to win: P. 3
Ladysmith artist John Marston installs a set of ornate sculpted aluminum door handles he crafted for the Oyster Bay Cafe at the Maritime Society Docks. The doors were installed last week just in time for the cafe’s summer season. JOHN MCKINLEY John McKinley THE CHRONICLE
It’s not the news Aaron Stone necessarily wanted to deliver in his first budget as mayor of Ladysmith. But it is the budget he thinks Ladysmith needs. Council was expected to give final approval after press time last night to a budget calling for a 6.29% hike in residential taxes — the equivalent of a $92.58 increase in the bill to the average home. According to Stone, the hike may be higher than what most residents may have wanted, but
Budget: pain for gain? Ladysmith mayor counting on 6% residential tax hike to set the table for future community infrastructure savings
it lays the necessary groundwork will improve efficiency and cut to replace deteriorating infra- long-term costs. With a plan in structure in the most efficient place, now we aren’t going to manner possible down the road. fall further behind.” In other words, short-term Two key elements to the plan pain for long-term gain. — and major reasons for the “I can’t predict the future, but hike — are a commitment to that is the goal,” he said. “By putting more funds into capital making investments now we reserves and building up the
town’s information technology infrastructure. Stone believes those two investments should not only combine to give staff the tools needed to move ahead on expensive capital projects like water system improvements and a new fire hall, it will also put them
in a better position to chase senior government grants that could significantly reduce the direct cost to the Ladysmith homeowner. “Notice has been put out to municipalities that they need to put together a solid asset management plan,” he said. “I think we’ve taken a progressive approach. I think we will be in a better position than other communities moving forward.” Staff had originally proposed a budget calling for an 8% hike in the residential tax rate and 4% hike in the commercial rate. see Mayor page 7
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