City staff are proposing a budget that will see the total tax levy increase by around two per cent and focuses on paving and sewer projects.
“Administration is pleased to present city council with a proposed budget that balances a modest tax increase with spending and initiatives to address the city’s long-term, sustainability needs,” read the proposed budget, which is available on the city’s website.
The city would generate $16.2 million in revenues, almost $800,000 more than last year, while it would spend $12.7 million on operating expenses, almost $500,000 more than last year.
Almost $3.2 million would be spent on capital projects, including $1 million going towards a new sewage lift station, $532,000 going towards roadwork, $678,000 for new water mains, $275,000 for the Aquatic Centre air handling system, $150,000 towards ball diamond work, $58,000 for sidewalks on Ogilvie Avenue and $50,000 on Jubilee Hall retrofits.
Projects not in this year’s budget include $796,000 for northeast parking lot development at the Uniplex, $300,000 for an outdoor skating rink and tennis courts at Glenn Hall Park, $246,000 for west parking lot development at the Uniplex, $250,000 to upgrade city hall’s windows and doors and $240,000 for a rehab of the old public works shop.
For the operating budget, the city would spend $1.4 million on general government expenses, an increase of $96,000; $1.5 million on protective services; $2.9 million on recreation and leisure services, up $65,000; $687,000 on cultural services, up $17,000; $686,000 on public health; $1.9 million on transportation service, up $99,000; and $3.5 million on waste and wastewater services, up $217,000.
Council will discuss the budget at a special meeting Dec. 20 at 2 pm.
