Annual Reports 2016 | Page 20

2016 Achievements Administration, Human Resources, IT, Finance & Corporate Services Strategic Priorities Council and senior staff continue to use, and regularly update, a Strategic Priorities Chart detailing the organization’s top priorities, acknowledging the foundation laid by planning efforts, and identifying Council’s ongoing commitment to strategic governance. The regular updating of the chart ensures that everyone is ‘on the same page’, roles are clear, focus is defined and progress is monitored. Regular Strategy Sessions are held in conjunction with approving Priority Setting and Decision Making Guidelines or Policies. Council identified five (5) principal priorities to be accomplished: Okanagan Rail Trail Parks & Recreation Master Plan (Public Engagement ) Glenmore Industrial Lands Transportation & Development Plan (Terms of Reference) Bylaw Enforcement Review Business Licensing Bylaw Review BUDGET: In 2016 Council was determined to apply any revenue resulting from community growth toward reducing the impact on tax payers, and therefore a 2016 budget with a zero percent property tax increase for Lake Country tax payers was approved. “Council and staff have been working very hard together to As a result of construction growth during 2015 and BC Assessment roll figures provide projects and services showing a 3.28 percent tax base increase in revenue for the municipality, without an excessive burden to recommendations were put forward to maintain existing services, incorporate tax payers,” said Mayor James inflationary increases as well as some items already prioritized by Council in order Baker. “Our priority is on to reduce the amount required to fund the base budget through taxation. keeping Lake Country in a The January 12, 2016 report to Council itemizes the various requests and sustainable position and recommendations. delivering the services that residents value most.” Some significant community projects that were approved were:  The final phase of the Water Meters installation ($1.2 million)  The upgrade of the Seymour Sewer Lift Station ($750,000)  Various funding for planning the development and management of the recently acquired Rail Corridor (approx. $200,000)  Safe Routes to School Program ($1.8 million) – Specifically: the Greenhow Pathway; the Sherman Road Improvements; the Woodsdale Road Improvements (linked to the Seymour Lift Station Upgrade project); Bottom Wood Lake Road – Berry to Lodge Improvements; and Carr’s Landing Road Improvements ($500,000). 2016 Annual Report 20 | P a g e