After a brief debate, Langley Township council decided on a 2.79 per cent property tax increase at Monday night's council meeting.

The council voted eight to one to pass the five-year financial plan, which includes the tax increase.

Councillor Kim Richter was the sole voice of opposition.

"I'm not going to support the budget bylaw this year," Richter said.

She cited a tax increase that is higher than the increase in the general cost of living.

Of the 2.79 per cent increase, 1.1 per cent is to be set aside for infrastructure. Half will top up the roads paving budget, and the other half will be placed in the Capital Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement Reserve.

That fund is to be used for replacing major infrastructure, whether community centres or sewer lines, when they reach the end of their lives.

The idea is to have a ready fund available for future needs, rather than having to find new money for projects as they arise.

Richter said she agreed with the concept of the fund, but felt the money should be found from existing sources, not from new taxes.

Last year the council unanimously agreed on a 2.95 per cent tax increase. It was the first year in some time that the council had voted together on the budget.