THE CORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE OF SLOCAN Village of Slocan Monthly Tax and Utility Prepayment Plan Questions & Answers Box 50, 503 Slocan Street Slocan, B.C. V0G 2C0 Ph: 355-2277 Fax: 3552666 info@villageofslocan.ca In 2012 the Village of Slocan will be implementing a monthly tax and utility prepayment plan. Detailed information will be available at the Village Office starting in April for those residents signing up for the program. Those taxpayers taking advantage of the plan enjoy the benefit of all discounts offered and in addition their payments have earned interest at better than saving account rates. The Plan will be available to all taxpayers, but it is not mandatory. Who can take advantage of the plan? If your property taxes are paid by your mortgage company, this prepayment plan will not apply to you. Otherwise the plan is available to all taxpayers Does the Plan apply to outstanding taxes or utility payments (water and garbage)? No, the Plan does not cover outstanding taxes or utility payments. All outstanding charges must be paid in the same manner as in previous years. The Plan will only be applied to the following year’s taxes or utility payments. How will the monthly tax prepayment amount be calculated? The total of the property tax levies and utility charges will be increased by 10% and then reduced by the Home Owner Grant, if applicable. This amount will then be divided by 12 and rounded up to the next whole dollar to get 11 equal monthly payments, with the 12th payment being the responsibility of the taxpayer. When the taxpayer receives their tax notice, they should pay the amount shown as owing and claim the homeowner grant, if eligible, prior to the penalty date. Can I reduce my monthly payments? Yes, but the monthly payments must not be less than $25.00. Can I increase my monthly payments? Yes, but only within reason. The monthly payment can be increased if the taxpayer feels that the amount will not provide sufficient funds to pay their utility rate and property tax levies (net of Home owner Grant). Can I change my monthly payment after the plan has started? Yes, a written request will be required to document the change and the same conditions apply; that is the monthly payment must be within reason and the monthly payment can be increased or decreased provided the payment is not less than the $25.00 monthly. What about my Home Owners Grant? It is most important that all participants in the plan understand that the 2012 Home Owners Grant must be claimed prior to the tax penalty due date or a penalty will apply. Can I make one lump-sum payment? No, the purpose of the plan is to enable taxpayers to budget their property taxes over the year. Can I stop the plan? Yes, the plan may be stopped at any time by notifying the Village in writing. This is important since we will continue to draw payments from your account until advised otherwise. The amounts collected to date will continue to accrue interest. The accrued interest will not be refunded but remains with the tax account to be credited against the 2012 tax levies. Will a T5 income tax slip be issued for the discount (interest)? No, current interpretation by Revenue Canada views the credit as a discount against the tax levy, provided total payments plus discount (interest) does not exceed the tax levy and as such the discount (interest) is not taxable. Excessive tax prepayments installments will not be accepted. The taxpayer concerned about this matter should obtain independent advice. What interest rate (discount) will I receive? Interest will be paid from the date funds are withdrawn from the taxpayers’ bank or credit union account to the tax penalty date. Interest on your credit balance is paid at the rate established by Section 239 of the Community Charter. The interest rate is currently 1.00%. .Can I have payments taken off more often than once a month or on a date other than the 15 th of the month? Sorry, the administration costs involved require that we have one standard payment date each month. Can I set the tax prepayment plan up with any financial institution? The plan can only be set up with a credit union because other financial institutions apply service charges. Another alternative method of payment would be post-dated cheques, made payable to the Village of Slocan. Please contact Village staff on payment methods available to avoid bank service charges. FEBRUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm (Closed from 12 noon to 1:00pm for lunch) Closed on Fridays. .. 2012 Council Meeting Schedule: March 12 August 13 April 10 (Tues) September 10 May 14 October 9 (Tues) June 11 November 13 (Tues) July 9 December 10 Council meetings are held on the second MONDAY of each month (excluding holidays). HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY Columbia Basin Trust, in partnership with the Village of New Denver and the RDCK, is hosting an information session in New Denver to build awareness about the 1964 Columbia River Treaty between Canada and the US. Learn more about how this international agreement relates to Arrow Lakes Reservoir and why it’s important to your community, the entire Columbia Basin and all of BC. Learn more at www.cbt.org/crt. Just a reminder, all dogs must be under owner supervision. They are not allowed to run free in town. Please walk your dog or find someone to help you as dogs walking themselves is prohibited. FEB. 21st IN NEW DENVER BOSUN HALL, 710 Bellevue Street Open House Free Dinner Presentation 2pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 7pm – 9pm RFP 2012 CONTRACT Springer Creek RV Park & Campground Operator The Village of Slocan invites proposals for: Operator for the Springer Creek RV Park & Campground. The Operator will also be responsible for duties related to associated facilities: the Beach area, Kiddies’ Park, and the Slocan Travel/Visitor Information Booth. Proposals may be faxed, mailed, or e-mailed. For more information, please visit the Village Office or our web site at www.slocancity.com. Proposals will be accepted no later than: 4pm, Thursday, March 29th, 2012. YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS YOU! The Slocan Fire Department requires more volunteers to maintain their coverage. They meet every Tuesday from 7pm – 9pm at the Fire Hall. If you are interested, just show up at the Hall, Or contact: John Gates, Fire Chief: 250.355.2672 Rick Bergmann, Training Officer: 250.355.2972 Craig Roussain, Captain: 250.355.2267 SLOCAN FITNESS CENTER NEW EQUIPMENT HAS ARRIVED! Join personal trainer, Megan Bly, at the fitness center on Thursdays for your orientation. FREE to members for the month of March! 12pm – 1pm Circuit Training Class – Mondays, 9:30am – 10:30am $10/session Personal Training by Appointment - $20/session Trainer Megan Bly creates custom exercise programs that emphasize muscular balance and targets your unique needs and goals. Register Today! 250-355-2355 or slocanfitness@gmail.com VILLAGE OF SLOCAN MEETING NOTES February 13, 2012 Jamie Ingram attended the meeting to address the payments owed to the Village under the terms of the License of Occupation for the Slocan Curling Rink. Council agreed to meet with the Curling Club to discuss the Slocan Curling Club; and the payment issues of the License of Occupation for the Slocan Curling Rink were referred to staff for a report. A report on Council discussions with the Slocan Valley Senior Housing Society (SVSHS) on the possibility of the Housing Society undertaking a project to construct affordable housing focusing on seniors. Village Council supports the construction of affordable housing focusing on seniors in Slocan and deems the property immediately behind the Wellness Centre, Fletcher Avenue to the south, Park Avenue to the north and Hume Street to the east, to be the most appropriate location. Subject to section 26 of the Community Charter, Council has agreed to dispose of the property legally described as Lots 13 – 20 inclusive, Block 22, Plan 496, District Lot 292 to the SVSHS. Following the publication of the Notice of Proposed Disposition, an agreement defining the Village and the SVSHS duties and responsibilities as they relate to the development and ownership of the subject property will be drafted. The financial consideration to be received by the Village for disposition is $5.00. A report from the CAO that the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs is accepting applications for 2012/13 funding year. Public input meetings on the applications needs to take place during April & May and funding released in June. The Village is seeking 5 Village residents to participate on the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs Local Selection Committee. Closing date to submit your name to the Local Selection Committee is March 1, 2012.Information available at the Village Office. Gail Morris of Slocan Gardening Concepts has notified the Village that she is terminating the Springer Creek RV Park and Campground Operations Agreement. Council approved the issuance of a ‘request for proposals’ for operation of Springer Creek RV Park and Campground with a closing date of March 29, 2012. Details are available at the Village Office. Council agreed to participate in the 2012 AKBLG Conference and AGM in Trail, April 19 – 21. Council received a letter from Kathy Pryor expressing her interest in applying for the RV Park Campground contractor position. Kathy Pryor to be notified of the RFP. Council received a letter from Brenda Brown, requesting Council consider developing a fenced ‘dog park’. Developing a ‘dog park’ will require community input and budgetary consideration. Council received a letter from Willo Treschow and Kathy Pryor expressing their interest in restoring and leasing the old W.I. Hall. Prior to considering any future use of the WI Hall the Village needs to complete an assessment of the building. Any future use will require community input and budgetary consideration. Mayor Perriere reported on her discussions with Dr. Carolyn DeMarco on the possibilities of establishing a rural locum in the Village of Slocan. The Village of Slocan Traffic Bylaw, No. 617, 2012, was given 2nd & 3rd readings. The Tax and Utilities Prepayment Plan Bylaw, No. 618, 2012, was adopted. The Village of Slocan Green Fleet Policy No. 2012-026 was approved. Peggy Ingram explained the benefits of a joint community advertising effort for the Spring & Summer GO & DO magazine. Council agreed to participate in the group advertising project and contribute $400 towards the cost of the project. Correspondence from Jeff Berdusco, working for Rainbow Resources, outlining a Notice of Work application for mineral exploration within the Springer Creek drainage in the summer of 2012. Village Council to schedule a meeting Jeff Berdusco to discuss their Notice of Work. A request from the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society that Council designates a member as a primary contact for lake stewardship issues. Councillor Lunn will be the primary contact for lake stewardship issues. The CAO updated Council on the development of a new Village website. Just a reminder that bus passes and Fitness Center passes are available for purchase at Mountain Valley Station. Thank you to Mountain Valley Station for providing this service! STREETLIGHTS Please contact the Village Office if you notice streetlights are not working. Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives Grant The Village of Slocan is seeking five Village residents to act as the Selection Committee for the Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives Program. Duties will involve reviewing applications and public presentations and making recommendations to Council. Please contact the Village Office by March 1st if you are interested. ALSO, if you have a project proposal, all applicants will be considered including registered and non-registered, non-profit/not-for-profit groups and other legal entities. Come to the office to pick up a package or visit: www.rdck.bc.ca/corporate/grants/cbt.html March 5, 2012, 4:30pm PST is the deadline. Applications may be submitted to the Village Office, or to the RDCK: Attn Judy Madelung, Box 590, Nelson BC V1L 5R4 jmadelung@rdck.bc.ca Canada Summer Jobs Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while helping both students and their communities. The program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create summer jobs for young people ages 15 – 30 years old, who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year. Canada Summer Jobs provides work experiences for students, supports organizations, and recognizes that local circumstances and priorities vary widely. The application period for Canada Summer Jobs is now open – February 1st to February 29th, 2012. For information on the program, please visit: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml Please check for local opportunities on the following web site: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/csj/2012/local/ british_columbia/british_columbia_southern_interior.shtm