BRC Budget Education Campaign?

Well, here’s something I have never seen before,

Council releasing proposed Budget information before the budget is adopted or any resolution in place and while Budget deliberations are still underway.

The final draft budget hasn’t even been discussed by Council yet!

Passive Persuasion Perhaps? To ensure Councillors vote a particular way?

This Councillor certainly won’t be Persuaded!

I didn’t support the Budget last year when the new Non Principal Place of Residence (NPPR) charge was introduced at 10% above the Principal Place of Residence rate and now we are informed this will continue to increase until the NPPR charge is 140% of the Principal Charge and Holiday rentals and short term accommodation will increase 200%. What, don’t we like tourist or visitors or want to provide housing for our key workers?

At a time when our region and residents are hurting, fuel prices through the roof, cost of living astronomically high and housing becoming unaffordable for the average family, I don’t believe we as a Council should be adding to the financial burdens being loaded on to our ratepayers.

But, It doesn’t matter what my opinion on this issue is, I want to know what you think-

The Budget Education Campaign Fact sheets are below. Read them and let me and the other 10 Councillors know your thoughts.

This isn’t yet a done deal and can be changed, if enough Councillors think the same way I do.

Do you feel that these additional charges are fair?

Should renters and visitors pay more?

Should Council show restraint and try to keep cost to ratepayers down in this time of fiscal uncertainty?

(disclaimer- as I know I won’t be popular for speaking out. This is my view and opinion only on what I see as unfair and unjust proposed rate increases in the 2026-2027 Budget.)

More information can be found via the following link, simply Click on the BRC NOW picture below: