Chatham-Kent council has managed to shave off about $24 per year from the proposed property tax increase, so far.
On Thursday, the first night of budget deliberations concluded with a proposed tax rate increase of 5.58 per cent, equal to about $176 more this year for the average household.
That's down from the 2023 budget starting point of 6.35 per cent ($200/year increase).
South Kent Councillor Anthony Ceccacci entered a successful motion to cut the inflation figure for capital and lifecycle costs down from six per cent to four per cent, saving about $1.36 million.
"I'm finding it a very challenging aspect to find cuts," said Ceccacci. "In speaking with staff, this is a number that might not be perfect, but they are at least palatable with."
The initial plan was to add just over $4 million to infrastructure spending, but the change dropped the funding to $2.7 million.
"I do think if we cut it further than the four per cent mark, in the next two or three years, it would put us in a very challenging spot," said Ceccacci.
Also on Thursday, councillors approved the recommended police budget with a 3.3 per cent hike. The $35.3 million budget includes an increase of roughly $1.13 million this year.
Noting the provincial average increase for police to be above seven per cent, Chief Gary Conn said their overall budget recommendation was a "bare bones" ask.
“Although it is bare bones, it is still attainable, while ensuring adequate and effective policing,” said Conn.
However, despite providing “one of the lowest budgets" both municipally and provincially, Conn said there are still a number of new enhancements.
That includes an additional officer moved to the community mobilization unit, polygraph device and training, expanded bike patrol, body cameras, the downtown Chatham CCTV pilot project, automated licence plate readers, and an armoured rescue vehicle.
The new police budget has an overall 0.64 per cent tax impact.
Budget talks resume Tuesday at 6 p.m. with Wednesday and Thursday set aside if needed. All meetings will be live-streamed on the YourTV Chatham-Kent YouTube page.