Budget approved after lengthy review

City council has approved this year’s multimillion-dollar budget.

The majority of council voted in favour of approving the more than 400-page budget at Tuesday night’s meeting. Only councillors Rebecca Johnson, Linda Rydholm and Larry Hebert voted against the decision.

The operating budget came in at about $192 million, a 1.6 per cent increase from last year. The increase in emergency services is one of the main reasons for the increase.

The budget includes a 2.6 per cent increase to the tax levy and 3.5 per cent increase to property taxes, which means homeowners will be paying $90 more on the average household.

The budget will also see water rate rise by 7 percent this year.

The public will have another chance to give input on the budget before council ratifies the decision in March. The meeting will be held at city hall at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Mayor Keith Hobbs said the budget was barebones and besides emergency services, most departments came in the black. Hobbs said it might be time that they look at different ways to utilize emergency services.

“I got a memo from a paramedic from Winnipeg and they’ve teamed up with the fire department,” he said. “They’re actually saving money. Those are the kinds of things we have to start exploring and drive those prices down. We’re not looking to cut staff. We need the police, fire but how can we deliver our services cheaper? Winnipeg is a great example.”

About 1.5 per cent of the budget is dedicated to roads and infrastructure. Hobbs said people have to realize it costs money in order to make improvements to roads.

He added he was happy to see the water rate rebate increase from $100 to $200 for seniors and those with disabilities.

Prior to the budget passing, Johnson had requested to push back the decision to allow the public give some input.  That motion was defeated.

Rydholm supported that recommendation and said paying an additional $100 a year could be too much for some people.

“I’m not ready to vote on this tonight,” she told council. “I think we should be listening to the people tomorrow night. I think all of us have to make certain that we’re comfortable in representing the people.”