Chatham-Kent Council deliberates the 2016 budget in council chambers, February 3, 2016 (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)Chatham-Kent Council deliberates the 2016 budget in council chambers, February 3, 2016 (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)
Chatham

CK Council Approves 1.99% Tax Increase

Infrastructure won't get as much money as anticipated, and it may be harder to fund future community initiatives, but CK has passed its 2016 budget.

The approval by Chatham-Kent Council comes with a 1.99% tax increase.

The committee went into day six of budget deliberations sitting at a 3.12% tax impact, and made a few major moves to reach the significant reduction.

After proposing adjustments to this year's winter control budget, Councillor Brock McGregor changed his course, suggesting a new two-part motion instead. He suggested lowering the infrastructure lifecycle phase-in from $924,000 to $234,600, as well as lowering labour contract provisions by $320,000. Council passed both parts of the motion.

Despite reducing lifecycle provisions by $690,000, Chair Derek Robertson says the committee hasn't turned its back on road and bridge funding.

"[We're adding] another $690,000 to infrastructure in a manner that's compliant with our asset management plan," says Robertson. "We'll be in line appropriately and safely with any funds that are available at the provincial and federal level."

Later in the night, Councillor Doug Sulman suggested reallocate reserves to help fund the CK Hospice and new Ridgetown Research Centre. Council also supported his idea to eliminate the Community Initiative surtax, which has helped contribute to projects like the YMCA. While the removal of the surtax lowered the impact by 0.5%, Robertson adds this could hurt the municipality later.

"My speculation would it that it will add some additional heat and pressure on council, in terms of its ability to be progressive," says Robertson.

The final stretch of deliberations came with its fair share of speed bumps. Councillors requested revotes on a number of past motions. They chose to reinstate a fire inspector hiring that was voted down Wednesday, but kept Communities In Bloom out of the budget. Councillor Dave Vandamme also asked for a revote on the infrastructure changes mentioned above, after it had been discussed an hour ago. That vote failed.

With the budget approved, the average household in Chatham-Kent will pay an additional $53 in 2016.

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