Bill’s International Pizza Morning Coffee Slice – By Aaron Hall
Following five community open houses and two Council budget committee meetings, on Thursday February 2, Chatham-Kent Council has passed the 2017 municipal budget.
The budget includes a 1.96% tax increase, which included a $2,766,500 investment in infrastructure, $500,000 for new affordable housing, debt reduction and sustainable investments in many services.
The increase is just under the Bank of Canada target inflation rate of 2%.
It represents approximately a $54 increase on an average home assessment of $161,300.
After the recommendations were presented to Council by the municipal administration on January 18, Council and administration held Community Open Houses to gather input from citizens on the recommendations. Public meetings were held in Wallaceburg, Tilbury, Thamesville, Blenheim and Chatham. Comments were also received by e-mail at ckfps@chatham-kent.ca.
During the development of the 2017 budget, 753 residents visited the first Chatham-Kent Citizen Budget, which was an on-line budget consultation tool to gauge community concerns.
The addition of on-line surveys and additional community meetings resulted in greater public education and understanding of the operations of the Municipality.
With Councillor Derek Robertson as chair, the Council Budget Committee held deliberations on February 1 & 2.
For more information on the 2017 Municipality of Chatham-Kent budget, you can visit www.chatham-kent.ca/budget.
What do you think about this year’s budget?
Please vote in our poll:
[polldaddy poll=”9658792″]
If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
Photo of the day
What happens when you shake a jar of cream? S’s using inquiry skills to find out. #lkdsb #curiosity pic.twitter.com/Px5I5n2Jgr
— H. W. Burgess PS (@hwburgessps) 6 February 2017
Weather forecast for Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Rain will begin early this morning, as a rainfall warning remains in place across Chatham-Kent.
Rainfall amounts of 25 to 35 mm are expected before the rain ends this evening.
Today – Rain at times heavy. Risk of freezing rain early this morning. Risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon. Fog patches dissipating early this morning. Rainfall amount 25 mm. Wind becoming southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 early this afternoon. High 11.
Tonight – Periods of rain ending this evening then mainly cloudy with 40 percent chance of rain showers changing to 40 percent chance of flurries before morning. Wind west 40 km/h gusting to 60. Low zero.
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