Proposed 2020 budget calls for 4% city tax hike

The City of Sarnia's 2020 draft budget totals $154.6 million and calls for a four per cent increase in municipal taxes. Prior to cuts, the $81.4 million to be raised through taxation would require a base increase of $37 per $100,000 of residential assessment. The increase is for city taxes and does not include the county or education levies. The draft budget highlights released by the city list staffing costs, police spending, and garbage, recycling and compost as key areas of increased spending. A two per cent increase in water and sewer rates is also proposed. The draft 2020 capital budget adds up to $46 million. It includes $2 million for shoreline work that is the city's share to leverage $1.3 million in grant funding through the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. A total of $24.2 million is recommended for water and sewer upgrades and replacements, $8.4 million for roads, streetscape and bridges, and $3.1 million for parks and recreation. A public input and grants meeting on the budget is set for November 18 in the council chambers at city hall. City council's budget deliberations are set for December 3. Click here to download the 2020 draft budget highlights.