Thereās a line on our property tax bill that needs a little more attention: Asset Replacement.
In 2024, we paid $377.41.
In 2025, we paid $162.79.
In 2026, another $89.85.
Thatās $630.05 from one property in three years.
Now multiply that across the community.
The District of Lillooet confirms that this separate asset-replacement tax began in 2024, and says the money collected is put into reserves for the future replacement of District assets. Lillooet Property Taxes
Fair enough. Roads wear out. Pipes fail. Buildings age. Vehicles and equipment eventually need replacing. Municipalities absolutely should plan ahead for those costs.
The asset-replacement strategy was discussed at public Council meetings and ultimately incorporated into the budget process. What I have not found is evidence of a dedicated public consultation specifically asking residents about the new separate asset-replacement levy before it appeared on property tax bills in 2024.
What exactly are we saving for?
A proper asset-management plan is more than simply putting money into a reserve account. Good municipal asset management identifies what assets the community owns, their condition, what needs repair or replacement, approximately when that work will be required, what it is expected to cost, and how it will be funded. B.C. guidance describes asset management as long-term planning for the construction, operation, maintenance, renewal and financing of infrastructure. Government of British Columbia
That is the piece I want residents to be able to see clearly.
The District does publish financial plans and says its budgeting process includes open meetings and public consultation. Financial Planning – Lillooet
It also has an Asset Replacement Financial Strategy specifically for the water system. Water Lillooet
What I have not found publicly is a clear, comprehensive District-wide asset-management plan connecting this separate levy to a list of assets, their condition, replacement priorities, expected costs and timelines.
That matters.
Because government does not have its own money. It is public money. Whether it comes through property taxes, fees, levies or grants, residents should be able to understand where it is going and what the plan is.
Iām not opposed to planning for infrastructure replacement. Quite the opposite. I want the planning to be strong enough that taxpayers can see why the money is being collected in the first place.
For me, good asset management should answer some very basic questions:
*What do we own?
*What condition is it in?
*What needs replacing first?
*What will it cost?
*How much do we already have saved?
*What is the metric for deciding on the levy amount? There is a huge difference between 2024 and 2026
*How much more actually needs to be collected?
*What was the public consultation and input before the levy was put into action?
Its not complicated.
Its okay to ask questions.
Thatās transparency.
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