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Cranbrook, BC (October 3, 2024) – An important survey is open now until October 18, 2024 to gather public opinion around ways to reduce taxes in Cranbrook in 2025, as Council and administration prepare for budget discussions starting later this fall.

Two surveys are currently running in tandem; a statistically valid survey and a public opinion survey. The statistically valid survey which arrived in the mailboxes of a sample of 1600 City residents late last week, will provide a scientifically reliable snapshot of what residents collectively think. The public opinion survey is designed to gather ideas and comments from everyone that chooses to participate, the City is requesting that residents that live within Cranbrook City limits complete a survey. 

The survey closes on Friday, October 18, 2024. You can learn more about this important budget process, find links to the public survey and review important reports to understand the current services and budgets for the City at www.cranbrook.ca/budget2025survey. Paper copies are available at City Hall. 

While the statistically valid survey provides a solid foundation for understanding general sentiments, the public opinion survey adds depth by highlighting individual opinions and suggestions. Mayor and Council will consider insights from both surveys during their discussions in the fall budget process, which is to start sometime in November.

Last year, in preparation for the 2024 budget, City Council provided the same services as the year before which required a tax increase of 8.32%. To maintain same level of services next year as the City has this year would require a tax increase of 8.59%. In planning for next year’s budget, Council directed Administration to look at what it will take to develop a City budget with a maximum 5% tax increase for 2025. To hold the tax increase to 5% or less will mean identifying $1.3 million in reduced expenses, increased revenues, or a combination of the two. 

To consider options to reduce taxes below or to the target set by Council, the survey is intended to determine your opinion on the options to cut service levels, cut services, raise fees, find new revenues beyond what has been done to date, or a combination. Historically, the City has reached out for comment on the budget later on in the process but has since shifted the process to engage earlier with the public.

City Administration is also reviewing all department expenses and services to reduce all costs without affecting services to residents in preparation for the 2025 budget year, and undertaken service fee reviews that have recently been approved by Council to raise revenues. The City continues to streamline process for developers and pursue economic development opportunities to attract new businesses to generate more tax revenues. 
Cranbrook is busier than ever, and demands on City services are higher than ever, which makes finding savings difficult as demands are sharply increasing, not decreasing. Our region is also challenged with more climate change issues around flooding and fires, addressing social issues that have surfaced post-COVID, including previously unseen levels of homelessness and opioid use impacting City services, as Cranbrook is a regional hub for social services in the Kootenays.

Learn more at www.cranbrook.ca/budget2025survey.