Paying less? Changes could see area municipalities pay less for social services

Changes to the tax assessment system in unincorporated areas will mean all 15 Thunder Bay District municipalities will be paying less for social services this year.

According to the budgeted levies for 2016, Thunder Bay’s contribution to the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board will fall from $18.2-million to $17.5-million.

Thunder Bay’s $700,000 savings make up the lion’s share of the $1-million reductions but communities like Oliver-Paipoonge, Shuniah and Conmee will see decreases between two and four per cent while Greenstone and municipalities along Lake Superior’s North Shore will save more than eight per cent.

Contributions from unincorporated areas will increase 60 per cent but the province will be covering the cost.

“The services are provided throughout the district of Thunder Bay so there are services that are provided to people living in unincorporated areas as well,” said DSSAB executive director CEO Bill Bradica.

“In this case, the levy is paid on their behalf by the province so at this time it does not directly impact what they pay. We don’t actually levy the unincorporated municipalities.”