The City of Duncan is looking at a property tax increase of more than 11 per cent in its 2025 draft budget, with most of the increase the result of policing costs.
In a news release, the City of Duncan says the increase would be 11.3 per cent, of which 11 per cent is due to mandatory policing costs.
If approved, it would raise taxes on a single family residence in Duncan valued at $585,448 by an additional $214 per year..
In 2021, the population of Duncan surpassed five-thousand and the city is now required to pay policing costs.
Following negotiations with the provincial government, the City was required to fund eight officers in 2022, increasing by one officer each year until reaching 12 officers in 2026.
It also must contribute to the operating costs of the RCMP detachment building, administration, and equipment.
Mayor Michelle Staples says council will continue to work with residents to navigate the costs of the critical policing services.
“We recognize the ongoing financial pressures many face and the need for careful consideration of how resources are allocated. Policing is an essential service, but it’s also about finding the right balance to ensure safety, trust, and fairness in how our community is serviced by Provincial policing.”
The City also says the provincial plan to transfer 911 police dispatch costs to local governments in the coming years will not impact the 2025 budget, but residents should anticipate future costs associated with this change.
