What was supposed to be a straightforward step in the 2026–2030 budget process turned into a tense and meandering debate Tuesday, as Kamloops city council struggled to agree on how to direct staff in trimming the proposed general fund budget.

The November 18th Committee of the Whole meeting — typically a technical, procedural step — spiraled into tax-rate haggling, differing philosophies on fiscal responsibility, and even an accidental venture into what Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson described as a “Dutch auction.”

Staff: A number isn’t necessary

The city’s corporate officer stepped in, clarifying that council was not required to land on a specific tax percentage. “We don’t actually need a physical number,” she said. “If you’re asking staff to find reductions, we can do that.”

City Manager Byron McCorkell added that administration had been working under the assumption council was still generally aligned with the previously presented estimate around 6.7% – a figure that, fittingly, has become something of a meme among younger residents.

McCorkell said staff would likely aim for “around that six mark” unless directed otherwise.

The mayor, meanwhile, said he’d prefer something much lower: “I’d like a 3%,” he said, while noting he was “only one vote.”

Councillors divided on expectations

Coun. Margot Middleton urged council to stop trying to force a precise target. “I really think we need to just ask staff to go back there and work their magic,” she said. “This is getting a little silly.”

Coun. Bill Sarai warned that demanding a fixed percentage could force staff to make rushed or arbitrary cuts. “Bring back some numbers that can lower it,” Sarai said, “and then it’s our responsibility to decide where to cut.”

Coun. Middleton argued that too much focus on minimizing taxes could undermine essential services. “If we need a tax rate at 8.5% to maintain services, and we can explain that to the public, I’m okay with that,” she said. “We’re here for good governance… not whether we get elected next time.”

She added that council — not staff — must own any significant cuts.

Economic pressures — and a tense exchange

Coun. Stepehn Karpuk acknowledged rising economic pressures on residents but said years of minimal tax increases had left the city behind. “How many times in the past has this been kicked down the road?” he asked. “It’s not going to be a low tax rate this year.”

A brief tense moment followed when Carpott discussed councillor compensation. The mayor responded by asking whether she’d take a pay cut, leading to an awkward back-and-forth.

A clear direction — finally

The meeting reached clarity when Coun. Katie Neustaeter proposed a motion offering broad guidance instead of a fixed tax figure.

She moved that the Committee of the Whole recommend council direct staff to take the feedback from the meeting and “look at ways to effectively reduce the tax rate as currently proposed.”

What’s next

Staff will now revise the provisional budget and return to council with options for reducing the 2026 tax increase — without being tied to a specific target.

The updated financial plan is expected to return later this winter for further debate and final approval.