One of the most Conservative budgets in the history of Dryden has been approved.
Council voted Wednesday night of a zero percent tax increase for the 2015 fiscal year by a 4-3 vote.
Mayor Craig Nuttall broke up the tie.
An amendment was put forward at the meeting for a cost of living increase which would have amounted to 1.6%
Nuttall says the City has reduced their debt from $40-million to $20-million and notes they now have money in the bank.
He adds they went through a two year period with a 21%-hike.
Nuttall says they have a strong Treasurer and a solid financial plan now in place and notes they are making great strides moving forward.
He stresses the average family can’t afford any other increase.
Financial figures disclosed at the meeting indicate a minimum of $2.23-million in extra revenue will be generated this year for reserves.
There is no change in staffing levels in the operating budget.
The meeting carried lengthy and passionate debate with the room literally split in two on the issue.
Here is a recap of what both sides said.
No Increase Campaign
Norm Bush-The City is looking at significant revenue to be put into reserves this year which was created through savings found in the budget process; The general public doesn’t want any increase; The population is aging and Seniors and folks on fixed incomes can’t afford any hike; Businesses don’t want an increase and the City can’t attract new business with higher taxes; They have the ability to pay off the debt this year and next year.
John Carlucci-Taxes have gone up 31.5% since 2007; A better budgeting process now in place will lead to more efficiency; The City needs to protect businesses.
Martin MacKinnon-Public and Businesses don’t want an increase; Strong financial team and plan now in place; Conservative numbers with plenty of efficiencies which have yet to be captured.
Cost of Living Increase Campaign
Roger Valley-Protect our citizens and look to the future; Too many issues have been put off and ignored and the City is faced with crumbling infrastructure and infrastructure deficits; We were elected to move forward and take advantage of opportunities; Little has been done in recent years to improve the community; Any work completed has been through government grants.
Mary Trist-Need to move forward and start investing and improving the community; More money should be going to economic development and attracting tourism; Also important to support the cultural roundtable.
Ken Moss-We still have financial problems; We still have lingering debt and bills to pay; Can’t go two years with no increase and expect to improve the community. We need to keep pace with the economy; If cost of living goes up 1%, we are suddenly behind 2% and it will bite us.
