Wellington North council got its first glimpse at the draft 2017 budget during a special meeting Monday.
The proposed budget calls for a 4% increase in the levy being charged to taxpayers. But when assessment from new construction is taken out, the draft budget translates to about a 3% increase for the average taxpayer.
Council will meet again in January to consider cuts to the proposed $8.6-million capital budget. It represents the largest capital expenditure ever without the help of any borrowing.
In order to come up with the cash, $1.2-million will be taken out of Wellington North’s $17-million in reserves.
The bulk of the capital expenditure is being directed at the total rebuild of several streets in Mount Forest and Arthur.
The operating budget is being frozen at near 2016 levels.
