As time ticks down on the 2011-2014 city council terms across the province, Prince George Councillor Albert Koehler is making another welcome run at limiting the northern city’s future property tax increases to the rate of inflation.

Koehler tried a similar motion last summer, but it was defeated 6-3 by PG council, with Koehler, Mayor Shari Green and Coun. Cameron Stolz in the minority. The community ended up with a 2.5% tax increase.

From the Prince George Citizen:

The CPI - an indicator of changes in consumer prices - is an idea taxpayers are already faced with, according to Koehler's notice of motion.

"For many in our community, especially the elderly, their incomes have not increased at the same pace as the tax increases, causing a reduction of disposable income and often a reduction in quality of life," Koehler wrote. "Placing a cap on tax increases is a fair and just approach."

The 2015 city budget will be set before the local government elections, with dedicated meetings scheduled for the last two Wednesdays in October.

"Since 2001, the city of Prince George has increased its annual budget year over year. The tax levy was $44.7 million in 2001, and for 2013 it was $88 million, while the Prince George population has remained at a steady state," Koehler wrote.

Hopefully the public pressure that comes with an election year will motivate two more councillors to follow the lead of Koehler, Green and Stolz.