The Municipality of Bluewater has approved a budget with a 2.47% increase for 2017, depending on the education tax rate.
Last year's budget was $7-million, and this year's is $7.5-million.
Mayor Tyler Hessel says the biggest item is an increase in policing costs of just over $280,000. Added to that are increases in hydro, insurance and a slight increase in the levy from the conservation authority.
Hessel adds there are some projects that have to get done this year and they include a couple of bridges on Airport Line and some paving to go along with that.
The Bayfield and Hensall arena roofs are going to get done this year as well as some road assumptions along the lakeshore.
The net result is residential rates will go down slightly in Bluewater, and agricultural rates will go up slightly.