Tax Increases in Ignace and Fort Frances

Ignace Council has approved the 2011 budget, with taxes going up 3%.
The budget calls for a number of staffing reductions as well as a 20% hike in water and sewer rates.
Mayor Lee Kennard says they were facing a number of cost increases and revenue shortfalls.
Policing costs soared and the water plant debt currently sits at roughly $3.1-million.
Kennard says the Municipal share of stimulus funding to upgrade several roads also impacted the final numbers.
However, Mayor Lee Kennard believes the Town is turning the corner, with the announcement that Wagner Forest Products plans to construct a wood pellet manufacturing plant.
Kennard adds mining operations scheduled to start in 2015 at Bending Lake will also be beneficial for the community.
Meantime, Fort Frances has also approved its 2011 Budget.
Residential ratepayers will see on-average a 2.5% tax increase.