FRIDAY DECEMBER 11, 2015
ROCK ACADEMY
IN COMPETITION
OPEN MIC AT ELKS
NORTH STAR SKATERS
See LOCAL NEWS page 4
See LOCAL NEWS page 3
THE BULLETIN PROUDLY SERVING KIMBERLEY AND AREA SINCE 1932 | Vol. 83, Issue 246 | www.dailybulletin.ca
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BARRY COULTER PHOTO
11 Kootenay writers gathered at Lotus Books in Cranbrook for the Kootenay Authors Fair on Saturday, Dec. 5. Back row, left to right: Colin Cartwright (“Empty on the Swan” and “Kootenay Bears”), Frank McIntyre (co-author, “A Promise That Bears Honour”), Keith Liggett (“Like Socks In The Dryer”), Keith G. Powell ((“Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak”), Dennis Dilts (co-author, “A Promise That Bears Honour”). Middle row, left to right: Janet Penner )”Waltzing with Dad”), Jim Cameron (“Cranbrook Then and Now, Vol. I”), Brendan Gillen (“Adventures in Stewart”). Front, left to right: Elinor Florence (“A Bird’s Eye View”), Amanda Bath (“Disaster in Paradise”), Bill Roberts (“Best Miners in the World”).
Report looks at City finances C AROLYN GR ANT Bulletin Editor
In a week in which Kimberley City Council received a variety of reports — on the flume, the SunMine and facilities — what ties them all together is a report from City CAO Scott Sommerville. Sommerville has prepared a 15year Financial Trend Analysis to assist in the preparation of future financial plans. “Scott’s report provides the framework for years of budgets,” said Mayor Don McCormick. “It’s a very important report.” The report looks at assessments, taxation, utility user fees and expenditures, salaries, wages, and benefits, expenditures and infrastructure. Among the interesting facts in
the report: In the period since the Sullivan Mine closed in 2001 to 2015, Residential assessments have increased 173%, from $321,387,007 to $877,755,503. Business assessments have increased 43%, from $34,744,751 to $49,726,158. Overall taxation in 2001 was $6,508,554. Taxes collected dropped dramatically (-32.4%) the following year (2002), as the assessed value and classification of Teck properties were reduced. Since 2002, total taxation has risen from $4,914,349 (2002) to $10,095,323 (2015), an increase of 105.4%. Residential Taxes have increased year-over-year from as low as 1.5% (2001) to as high as 10.7% (2011). Business Taxes have increased year-over-year from as low as 0% (2005) to as
high as 5.3% (2010). Salaries, wages and benefits have made up between 48.9% (2008) to 53.0% (2013) of total expenses over the last 15 years. The annual increase to individual salaries, wages, and benefits has varied year over year from between 0% (2002) to 2.5% (2006, 2013, 2014, & 2015). By 2019, salaries and wages are estimated to make up 54.4% of expenditures. The annual change to overall salaries, wages, and benefits year over year has varied from between -8.0% (2002) to +12.6% (2007). Overall expenses related to salaries, wages and benefits decreased in 3 of the last 15 years. Overall expenses related to salaries, wages and benefits increased in 12 of the last 15 years See REPORT, page 3
Learning on the job Stetski reacts to throne speech, MMIW inquiry TRE VOR CR AWLEY
With the House of Commons in session yet, a glimpse of the legislative agenda was offered through the Liberal government’s throne speech, delivered by Governor General David Johnston last week. Kootenay Columbia MP Wayne Stetski said the speech was a reflection of Liberal promises made during
Kootenay Columbia MP Wayne Stetski the election. With that in mind, the NDP attempted to add a few amendments to what were staple election planks for the party during the election, including
an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, tax relief for the middle class, a $15 per hour minimum wage for federal jobs and changes to the employment insurance program. However, those proposed amendments were defeated by the Liberals and Conservatives, Stetski said. “I’m not sure why they don’t want to do the right thing for Canadians who need it most in that sense,” Stetski said. See MP page 5