Dryden Budget Picture Still Cloudy

Dryden residents are likely going to be playing the waiting game when it comes to how much they are going to have to pay in taxes this year.
An update on the budget was provided at a special council meeting yesterday and staff warn there are still too many unknowns to approve a balanced budget.
Interim City Manager Art Wellington says the ongoing mill assessment dispute and the Dryden Mobility debt both need to be settled before staff can bring forward an accurate budget.
Wellington says they have identified an additional $192,000 in savings.
However, he warns that in order to keep the tax rate down, there will be additional staff reductions from here on in
Councilor Sid Wintle is urging his colleagues to adopt the operating budget this month.
Wintle says if council doesn’t act now, the City will likely incur more costs.
He says Council still is asking for a roughly 3% tax increase and notes staff haven’t been able to provide that.
A clearer picture of the City’s finances is expected next Monday at the open Committee of the Whole meeting.