Summerland council to consider increasing dog license fees next year – Penticton News

Photo: Pixabay

The city of Summerland will consider a $10 increase per dog license next year following a proposal by county staff to cover rising costs.

Currently the district charges $60 for dogs that have not been spayed or neutered (i.e. intact) and $30 for dogs that have been spayed or neutered.

This matches nearby municipalities’ costs, though Penticton’s 2025 estimated rates are $35 for spayed/neutered dogs and $70 for intact dogs, while RDCO rates are $20 and $60 and Kamloops’s are $30 and $65. The district’s dog license fees have not been updated due to dollars. Since 2017.

According to the staff report, the cost has not kept pace with inflationary pressures.

“Summerland District has made significant investments in recent years to support dog owners, including the construction of two dedicated dog parks, one at Peach Orchard Park and the other at Dale Meadows Sports Complex,” the staff added.

“In addition to the physical construction of the parks, these dog facilities have also been associated with increased operational impact on park maintenance as well as the district’s bylaw enforcement cost center. For these reasons, staff are of the opinion that dog owners should pay more for this additional operational cost impact rather than relying on general taxation.” to meet.”

This $10 increase in dog license fees will be $40 for spayed or neutered dogs and $70 for intact dogs.

Staff also wants the city to eliminate the 50 percent discount (i.e., pro-rated) on the license after June 30.

“Most dog licenses renew at the beginning of a calendar year, and this 50 percent discount creates some administrative burdens when new licenses are issued after June 30.”

The district said they issue an average of 1,000 dog licenses each calendar year, which translates into an estimated $10,000 in additional revenue.

If the Parliament approves these changes, they will be included as an amendment to the relevant statute at the 2025 budget meeting on December 17, 2024.

The council will discuss the fee change proposal on Tuesday.