Council chambers at Sarnia City Hall. (Photo by Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley from Twitter)Council chambers at Sarnia City Hall. (Photo by Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley from Twitter)
Sarnia

Sarnia draft budget hike at 6.4 per cent heading into deliberations

A draft budget hike of 6.4 per cent will be considered by Sarnia council during 2023 budget deliberations Tuesday.

City Treasurer Jane Qi will present an amended capital budget when discussions get underway at 9 a.m.

In her report, Qi said the draft capital budget book and draft capital council report were prepared and issued before the police services budgets were approved by the police services board.

Nearly $3 million was requested in the capital police budget; $2 million for equipment, $600,000 for building improvements and $360,000 for 911 communications.

The amended draft budget request now includes an additional $200,000 for 911 communications.

Staff are recommending that over $700,000 more be spent on road rehabilitation in 2023, thanks to additional Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding [OCIF].

It's also recommended that over $760,000 in additional funding be pulled from the OCIF reserve for the combined sewer separation project.

Staff are recommending Sarnia City Council approve $90,000 from the capital reserve fund to support the demolition of the remaining set of bleachers at Norm Perry Park, and install a new set before the 2023 outdoor sports season.

The changes reduce the draft capital budget from $44,726,703 to $42,779,350.

It is recommended council direct staff to return in the second quarter of 2023 with a final lease agreement with the Sarnia Legionnaires Junior B Hockey Club for consideration. It would include a list of capital requirements for the Pat Stapleton Arena, including cost estimates to upgrade the change room.

Another report includes proposed changes to the 2023 draft operating budget.

Increases to the general and transit levies, which includes the proposed six per cent increase in police services funding, would add just over two per cent to the city portion of property tax bills.

The total increase to the general levy amounts to 6.42 per cent if approved.

It is also recommended council award a maximum amount of $80,000 in municipal grants.

Staff are advising council to deny a request for a grant in lieu of paying development charges at 275 Wellington Street and 145 Mitton Street.

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