It will cost homeowners an average of $10 a month extra to live in Thunder Bay if the city approves its 2012 budget.
The budget would see a 2.67 per cent average increase on homeowners who are being reassessed in 2012, or a 1.48 per cent increase if not.
The jump includes the provincial education tax and the city’s $2.5 million bump in roads spending this year. Altogether, it’s an average $67 annual increase.
But the city is also increasing water rates by six per cent this year making the average about $119 per year or around $10 a month.
City manager Tim Commisso said he thinks the $248 million tax supported capital and operating budget shows that administration has worked hard to find a balance this year.
“I think we’ve got a good balanced budget,” Commisso said after releasing the budget Monday. “It’s responsible.”
Coun. Ken Boshcoff said he agreed with Commisso but upcoming budget sessions with council next month could make the budget bigger.
“The question is will council start adding things on that will make the tax rate higher. That’s the concern right now,” he said.
Boshcoff said he and several other councillors suggested cuts to the budget last year but were outvoted every time while additions were approved. He’s hoping councillors are different this time around.
