Taxes

Services to the Community

Local government provides essential basic services – clean water, garbage collection, fire and police protection, street lighting, libraries, recreational facilities and parks, local roads, water and sewer systems, and planning for the future economic growth of the community. The range of local services provided by BC’s local governments is as diverse as the provincial landscape and is decided by each individual council and board (see Local Governemnt in British Columbia: A Community Effort).

Administration

Local government staffs administer the services, regulation and land management that the council decides to undertake. They also maintain relationships with other governments and agencies (see Local Governemnt in British Columbia: A Community Effort).

Four Sources to Fund Services

Local government has the ability to raise funds to provide and
maintain services and amenities within the community. These
revenues are raised from four main sources:
> Property taxes
> Grants from other levels of government
> Special user charges
> Partnerships

(see Local Governemnt in British Columbia: A Community Effort).