City councilors will be asked to approve a 2.7-per-cent tax increase for Elliot Lake homeowners.
In 2017, the flat rate for taxes was $613.75 yearly, or $51.15 monthly. City staff told a public input meeting Wednesday night that this year's proposed rate is $656.71 yearly, or $54.73 monthly.
Members of the public were given a rundown of what to expect in this year's proposed budget.
Even though the presented budget was a draft, Michael Humble, city Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services said he hopes council will approve it at the next budget meeting on Nov. 15.
“I strongly suggest council to approve the budget in the next few weeks,” he said. “Hopefully by the end of the month.”
Humble said he had previously asked council to submit their requests for what they would like to see happen in 2018, budget wise. Council submitted items into the budget.
To date, 15 requests have been submitted to fund service levels, which totals $549,610. Also, nine requests have been submitted to fund one-time costs, which totals $110,100.
The 15 requests were made by staff and council and include service enhancements.
These include:
- video based health and safety training and tracking
- aquatics assistant for the pool
- extended recycling program
- administration support
- extended library hours
- expansion of existing part-time recreation assistant
- new part-time recreation assistant
- increased advertising for Arts on the Trail
- increased conferences for Community Services Staff
- Collins Hall Programming staff
- new sports equipment
- street banners for tourism and event promotion
- tables and chairs replacement for programming rentals
- assistant librarian and additional full-time staff (three general labourers)
Humble said these items are becoming necessary and need attention.
“We need to improve the city to gain tourism,” he said.
Also on the list for one-time costs are:
- file storage and retention
- trails maintenance and improvements
- brush hogs for trails work
- shelter for Miner’s Memorial Park
- fitness room equipment replacement
- arts and culture intern
- recreation and culture intern
- autism equipment for a park and additional funds for the skate park
Humble also explained that because the minimum wage is being increased to $14 effective Jan. 1, the impact costs for the city would be $59,919.
“This will have a significant impact on us,” he expressed. “This is out of our control.”
Council will review the proposed budge on Nov. 15.