The District of Houston is looking at a few options to cover the $1.2 million hole in its 2026 budget.
The loss was caused by a closure allowance given to the Canfor mill site by BC Assessment.
Some of the options being looked at to help limit the impact on residents include:
- Using $500,000 a year from 2026 to 2028 from the Rate Stabilization Reserve
- Using $400,000 a year from 2026 to 2028 from the annual Northwest Resources Benefits Funding contribution to support recreation and protective services costs
- Cuts to planned municipal planned municipal expenses not affecting services
The district said doing all three would lower property tax revenue needs by about 7.7 per cent compare to the current financial plan.
Despite that, a $308,000 shortfall would still be expected in 2026 which could grow to almost $1.8 million by 2030 without an increase in property tax.
Council added no decisions have been made and are exploring surplus and reserve funds to reduce the projected deficit.
A town hall is being hosted around the issue on Wednesday at the Houston Seniors’ Centre to get residents input on the budget and hear concerns.
The district hopes to present a balanced budget in April.
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
