The City of Fernie is asking for residents to provide feedback on a proposed short term rental fee increase.
Fernie’s current STR fees are $100 per year no matter the type of STR.
The proposed changes would see fees of $500 per year for primary residence STRs and $700 for condo/hotel STRs.
Councilor Ted Shoesmith said this fee increase could help offset future tax increases for residents.
“We are debating vigorously over every tenth of a per cent of tax we’re going to levy on residents. If we can find even half of a tenth of a per cent that we can save, it’s worth it,” he said.
“It’s not a number derived from math and business, it’s a number derived from the fact that I’m certain that almost nobody will lose their minds over the difference, but it will show up as more potholes patched or extra money in our reserves.”
Residents are encouraged to submit written statements to council regarding the bylaw by 4 p.m. on Aug. 12.
That can be done through email, mail or in person at the Senior Citizen’s Drop-In Centre.
You can also speak during the public participation period at the Aug. 12 council meeting.
The bylaw is up for third reading.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
