By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is accepting public feedback on its proposed tax rates for 2025. The Regional District has proposed a tax increase of about $11 per $100K of assessed value for Electoral Area B, which includes Blue River.
In an interview with The Goat, Electoral Area B Director Lee Onslow said the rate of $11 per $100K of assessed value may change if BC Assessment drastically raises the assessed values of homes in the area.
“We’d still need the same amount of money to pay for the services that Area B is receiving,” she said. “If the assessment values go higher, then the rate per $100,000 would be reduced slightly.”
According to Onslow, the TNRD’s tax increases are largely caused by a four per cent wage increase for Regional District staff, the creation of a new facilities manager position, an increase in the cost of 911 services, and general inflation. She encourages residents to visit tnrd.ca/budget2025 to view a breakdown of the services funded by residents’ taxes.
“I feel that the budget that’s been proposed from staff at the TNRD and that directors have debated is a budget that will work to ensure that the services people are getting stay at the standards that they’re used to,” Onslow said.
Residents with feedback on the budget can contact the TNRD finance department at [email protected], or they can contact Onslow at [email protected], she said. That feedback will be passed along to the appropriate staff.
“If the TNRD were to hear an overwhelming amount of feedback stating that they weren’t getting value for the services they were paying for, that would then go to the board of directors to debate that, and maybe alter the services or talk with staff and try to rectify that situation,” she said.
She added, “Refer to the website, understand the budget, and if you have any questions or concerns, contact the TNRD because you are heard and your opinion is valuable. We want to hear it.”
