Municipalities in the region will be paying a little less for social services next year.
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board will see a 2.2 per cent reduction in the $23 million, 75 per cent of which comes from the city of Thunder Bay, municipal levy next year.
That's mainly due to continued uploading of Ontario Works benefits back to the province, which will be covered fully by Ontario in 2018. But acting CAO Bill Bradica said it's also because of a 3.5 per cent drop in caseloads, something he partly contributes to more people finding jobs and getting out of the system.
"We do feel that in 2014 it will continue to decline slightly but beyond that it's pretty hard to predict," he said before presenting the proposed budget to the board Thursday morning.
How many people will need DSSAB services depend on a number of factors, including the economic climate.
The DSSAB is seeing deficits in other areas though through some of its Thunder Bay District Housing Corporation properties.
The Royal Edward Arms projects a $570,000 deficit next year due to increasing operation costs.
It's also partly due to the fact that people are being phased out of the building. And there are new costs, like $25,000 for private garbage pick up.
The city has refused to continue that service after needles was discovered a few months ago. Bradica said they're trying to resolve the issue.
"Unfortunately to this date we haven't heard anything back," he said.
Repairs and maintenance has also caused a $257,000 deficit to Andras Court.
Bradica said a building audit is expected next month.
