City Hall

Council reversed a cut from June 2023 by reinstating Christmas Day bus service at a cost of $42,500.

The municipal tax levy sits at 5.47 per cent after growth (5.91 before growth) heading into tonight's meeting.

The Thunder Bay Public Library received a yes for its $6.9 million budget for 2024. TBPL representatives were requesting $150,000 to hire an outside consultant to explore a potential Intercity mall location.

Council voted in favour of three curbside leaf and yard waste pick up days during the year. They also approved an increase to the recreation trails budget by $85,500.

Tonight's session begins at 5 p.m. with budget ratification scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12.

City staff put forward a recommendation to increase the tax-supported operating budget by $250,000 for expenditures, which would result in an increase to the municipal tax levy of 0.11 per cent.

Red River Coun. Michael Zussino suggested adding $150,000 from the capital general reserve fund to hire an outside consultant to look into a potential Intercity mall location for the Thunder Bay Public Library.

“City council is who sets the budget so we need to be able to speak to them and express our concerns,” said Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson.

Council voted in favour of a list of recommendations brought forward by staff, which dropped the figure to 5.48 after growth.

Sessions tonight as well on Feb. 1, Feb. 5 and Feb. 7 begin at 5:00 p.m. The budget is scheduled to be ratified on Feb. 12.