The City of Fernie is now looking at a 6.63 per cent tax levy increase under the 2026-2030 five-year financial plan.
Before the council meeting on Mar. 10, the city was looking at a 4.03 per cent increase but that was before council gave their decision on a number of financial asks.
The financial requests included a six per cent increase to the Heritage Library operating funding, an increase to the Fernie and District Historical Society, and money to the Chamber of Commerce for a three-year core economic development fund.
“We sorely need to make an investment in economic development in the community,” said councillor Kevin McIssac .
“It has been woefully lacking.”
The full details on what was added to the tax levy can be found here.
The one item that was voted down was a partnership agreement and funding for the Fernie Trails alliance.
City staff will now be finalizing the draft financial plan with the goal of bringing it to council on Mar. 17 for first readings.
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