The City of Dryden is putting the breaks on user fee increases in several key areas.
Following a review of other municipal rates across the region, Treasurer Steven Lansdell-Roll says most rates won’t be going up in 2018.
This despite the fact that the City is facing a $3.8-million debt repayment next year.
There will be no hike in fees at the Arena, the library, the landfill and garbage bag tags.
Lansdell-Roll says an economic analysis determined current fees are either competitive or on the high end.
Some fees will be going up a minimum 1.5% to bring them on-line with other communities.
Lansdell-Roll admits it was a tough balancing act as they didn’t want to hurt participation rates.
However, he says fees hikes in some cases are needed to support existing programs.
Lansdell-Roll adds they aren’t in a situation right now where their fees off-set their costs, so they are trying to minimize the impact on property tax owners.
The 2018 rate schedule is expected to be approved in November.
