Port Coquitlam mayor and council should be commended for coming into their community’s 2014 budget consultations with a proposed 0.34% property tax cut.

Thanks to a series of service changes, a couple of revenue-generating ideas, and a decision not to fill certain job vacancies, PoCo was able to cover the cost of a new RCMP officer, contracted raises for unionized employees, and $180,000 in building maintenance.

It’s refreshing to see a council tighten its belt rather than simply roll over and demand more money from property taxpayers. I do note PoCo is surveying residents on whether they are interested in paying 1.5% more for a replacement to a recreation centre, but kudos to them for asking – not simply ordering.

The PoCo budget website, by the way, is one of the best, clearest ones I’ve seen.