The total city budget for 2019 is starting out with a proposed tax increase of 2.95 per cent or $5.6 million.
City Treasurer Linda Evans explains, as the budget currently sits, it will mean city hall would be spending $248 million this year on tax supported operating and capital, $195.9 million of which will be collected through taxes or $6.2 million over 2018.
The city treasurer tells us the increase is needed to keep the services that were provided last year and fund proposed expansions.
She notes the major drivers in the budget include an expansion to police and EMS services to help enhance community safety.
City Manager Norm Gale says the “budget addresses this without substantial cuts or decreases to services.”
The capital budget this year is pegged at $17,6 million an increase of $1.2 million over last year.
City councillors will begin the process of paring down the budget starting on January 15th.