Sarnia council is being asked to consider raising taxes, water and sewer rates or taking on debt to cope with the ever-increasing cost to replace or repair a backlog of aging assets.
City staff say the cost to tackle roads, sewers, buildings and other assets in "very poor" condition is currently $355-million.
But that price is expected to jump to $424-million with inflation in the next two years, and only $25-million of the $45-million in new spending required this year was set aside.
Mayor Mike Bradley says he's all for receiving further information or reports, but doesn't think the current council should make any financial decisions.
"This council, when it's almost in a lame duck mode, should be leaving it for the new council," says Bradley. "There's huge tax increases and water rate increases suggested. My own personal view is that there are issues on the operating side and the spending there that aren't being addressed. I think on the capital side, there's never enough money for infrastructure."
Bradley says the new council has to consider that the city's growth isn't at the level where we want it to be, the population is aging and there's a slight decrease in population numbers.
"If I could, I would see us spending every day and every penny we had on infrastructure," he says. "But, we have to balance the need of the public and their ability to pay."
A report seeking city council's direction is expected at the July 16 meeting.
Ontario municipalities are required to have a comprehensive strategic asset management policy and plan in place by next July.
The document will outline how the city plans to maintain core infrastructure, level of service and public accessibility.
