Essex Town Council still has to give it final approval, but so far its adopted a 2% property tax increase.
The residential mill rate will go up 1.5%, and the increase works out to another $20 a year for the average home valued at $157,000.
Among projects in the budget, council plans to install Astroturf in the boulevard along Woodview Ave., extend paving on Concession Rd. 14 and put more in reserves for splash pads.
Director of Corporate Services Donna Hunter says one more meeting is needed to finalize the $38-million budget on April 20.
