This affects all residents of the town of Osoyoos

Our homes, our jobs, our schools, and our lives to live in this community are at stake !! 

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!!!

Whereas the Osoyoos Town Council (Council) adopted Bylaw No. 1386, 2023 (2024-2028)(Bylaw) on October 24,2023;

Whereas this Bylaw is cited for all purpose as the 5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw;

Whereas this Bylaw and other water, sewer and waste management bylaws provided municipal services increases to the average home assessment in the amount of General Services-13.6%, Sewer-117.05%, water-146.63%;

Whereas the result is an average home owner increase of User Fees in the amount 110.64% and Total Taxes and User Fees in the amount of 39.30%:

Whereas requisitions from other taxing authorities are unknown and the final mill rates can’t be established:

Whereas the undersigned municipal tax payers and parties that pay users fees cited in the Bylaw agree that 2024 Budget Framework Principles #8(TO CREATE DIALOGUE) AND #9(TO CREATE TRANSPARENCY AND UNDERESTANDING) have not been achieved in the Bylawdevelopment process:

Whereas the undersigned municipal tax payers and parties that pay users fees cited in the Bylaw deem these tax and user fee increases to be unreasonable, unwarranted and detrimental to the economic and social sustainability of the Town of Osoyoos;

Be it resolved that the undersigned municipal tax and user fee rate payers request that Osoyoos Council take the following action:

1. Rescind the Bylaw and any other bylaws that enact the tax and user fees cited earlier in this petition;
2. Restart the budget process with a public education and transparent process;
3. Council agrees to appoint and work with a community budget consultation committee that reflects a cross section of community residents and business owners to develop a more rational 2024 to 2028 5 Year Capital Plan for municipal services and utilities.