Draft number six of Dryden’s budget was reviewed by Council last night and the final version could be approved as early as March 14th.
If approved, the budget will mean an increase of 2.8% -which actually means 2.2% because the Educational Levy is going down this year.
Other highlights include a roughly 5% increase in numerous user fees which will kick in July 1.
Water and Sewer will go up 5%, landfill and tipping fees will go up 10%, garbage bag tags will rise to an even $2 each and user fees for the arena, pool and fitness centre will all go up 5%.
The City would increase it’s long term debt by about 2 million to a total of 36 million to cover projects such as phases one and two of the arena renovations.
On the staffing side, a proposed “Cultural Planning” position has been turned down….as was the suggestion for a full time “Events Planner.”
