PENTICTON – Based on 2021 local government statistics, the City of Penticton has the lowest per-capita municipal taxes among Okanagan municipalities with populations over 15,000, and is well below the provincial average.
“Municipalities are legislatively required to report a Statement of Financial Information which highlights employees that earn over $75,000 per year. While this detailed information is important for transparency and accountability, it does not highlight the quality of life values that these wages bring to the community, such as water, sewer, roads, electrical, fire protection, policing, parks and recreation” says Elma Hamming, Manager of Finance for the City of Penticton.
“By reviewing the municipal taxes per capita statistics, it is possible to compare our taxation dollars with other provincial municipalities to determine if taxation is reasonable for the services provided. Penticton is below the provincial average and has the lowest municipal taxes per capita in the region with population over 15,000.”
The data shows Penticton’s municipal taxes per capita comes in at $984, compared to the provincial average of $1,225. The number is determined by total property taxation for the fiscal year divided by the 2020 Census figure.
In contrast, other comparable Okanagan communities came in at a higher rate than Penticton.
- West Kelowna – $1,018
- Lake Country – $1,062
- Vernon – $1,069
- Kelowna – $1,142
These communities were selected as they have a population greater than 15,000 which is the threshold for paying 90 per cent of policing costs
The Statement of Financial Information reports remuneration of the Mayor and Council, listing of all employees who earned more than $75,000 last year and a list of Suppliers of Goods and Services with total payments greater than $25,000.
Hamming notes a net total of four employees surfaced to the over $75,000 list – one each from management, CUPE, IAFF and IBEW. Fluctuations in the over/under $75,000 list includes cost of living increases, overtime changes and positions made vacant and replaced.
The Statement of Financial Information is part of the agenda for the June 21 regular meeting of City Council. The full agenda is available at www.penticon.ca The full report can be found here.