The first council meeting to discuss the 2017 draft budget for Chatham-Kent has wrapped up, but more meetings are to come.
Councillor Derek Robertson, who is the budget chair, started off Wednesday night's presentation by addressing the proposed tax increase, which sits at 1.96%.
"I think the tenor of the budget committee is much more amenable to the [2017] process than what we've seen in the past," says Robertson.
The budget encompasses infrastructure renewal costs as well as municipal operations (i.e. departments, council decision, the Lower Thames Conservation Authority and police services).
Factors highlighted in the presentation include low assessment growth, the dwindling population, and infrastructure.
As for Chatham-Kent's debt, the amount has been decreasing over the past ten years, as stated during the presentation. The municipality's current debt is $96.2-million.
Pleased by the decrease in debt, Mayor Randy Hope commended council and administration. He also expressed that he's happy there are no service cuts in this draft budget -- something Robertson agrees with.
"I'm pleased to see that we're not dealing with that ugliness and rather we can get to the brass tax of delivering a budget that meets the council's directions, the strategic needs of this community and frankly is prudent for the benefit of our citizens," says Robertson.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to voice questions or concerns at upcoming meetings. To see when and where those meetings are being held click here.