Tuesday, January 19, 2010

City Budget Approved


(Common Councillor Carl Killen)
(File Photo)

It's official----the city's tax rate is staying the same at nearly $1.79. After discussions last night, Council approved the 2010 budget, with Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase, and Councillor Patty Higgins being the only votes against. There was talk about possibly decreasing the tax rate. Councillor Carl Killen says council could cut the rate in half if it wanted to but that would be irresponsible. Killen says a tight budget has stretched all city departments to the limit and discussions around it shouldn't be about reducing the tax rate---it should be how to supply the best quality service.