Treasurer Brian Cousins, fourth from the left, takes Belleville city council through proposed cuts to its 2016 operating budget, March 7, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville city council made cuts and came up with a 2016 preliminary operating budget that’s good news for city ratepayers.
It shows a tax rate increase well under 1% or no increase at all.
City council rejected proposals for a bus ticket increase and didn’t go for a bag tag hike either.
It cut $750,000 for a sewer separation project which didn’t receive senior government funding, and a number of other smaller items.
Mayor Taso Christopher says service should be a priority.
Council decided to add two new sidewalk plows and money for the city’s 150th birthday celebration in 2017.
Council decided to continue helping to fund Bay of Quinte Tourism and Bay of Quinte Living both of which Mayor Christopher said were instrumental in promoting the city.
Also a proposal to cut the number of issues of Belleville’s magazine was defeated with Mayor Christopher calling it important for promoting the city.
The budget sits at $86.5 million, a 2.72% increase.
Right now the tax rate is as follows: Belleville Urban an increase of .08%, Cannifton Urban a .1% decrease, Cannifton Rural a .55 decrease, Rural a .13% decrease.
Outside agencies budgets still to come with two more budget sessions in April.
