Draft Budget Presented to Dryden Council

A draft operating and capital budget, showing a $527,000 deficit has been presented to Dryden Council.
Treasurer Linda McNaughton says the total operating budget has been cut from $23.8-million to $23.1-million.
Policing costs have jumped by over $333,000, Public Works is budgeting an increase of over $400,000 from 2008 levels and the Dryden Development Corporation is budgeting a $130,000 hike.
Projects in-line to receive funding include new Youth Centre activities ($30,000), a new winter carnival and 2010 Torch Celebrations ($20,000), Communities in Bloom ($6,200) and Cultural planning ($2,500).
The City also plans to take $1.2-million out of reserves to fund certain projects including the completion of upgrades to the Rotary Park-Soccer field parking lot.
Money from the Hydro Sale reserve will go to Cemetery expansion, the Centennial Business Park and doctor recruitment.
McNaughton says a 5.27% tax increase would be needed to recoup lost funds from Provincial reassessment.
Staff is also proposing a 10% increase in water rates, effective July first.