Sarnia Council has set a $125-million 2015 budget, raising city taxes 3.93 per cent.
The increase adds $33.09 per $100,000 of assessment on the municipal portion of the property tax bill.
Council set the tax rate in just under three hours of deliberations at City Hall Tuesday, trimming just over $1.2-million from the original draft budget.
Its recommended Sarnia Police further reduce its budget by $100,000 after a motion from Councillor Dave Boushy was supported.
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Mike Kelch reminded fellow councillors the cut can only be a recommendation, because the police services board is under no obligation to comply.
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Police Services Board Chair Mayor Mike Bradley guaranteed they would seriously consider the decrease.
Prior to budget deliberations, a further cut of $70,000 from benefits already reduced the police budget to $21.4-million, representing an increase of just over 4 per cent.
Sarnia Transit users will be digging for an extra quarter next year. Council approved a fee increase for 2015.
Cash fare will increase 10 per cent, from $2.50 to $2.75. Monthly passes will also increase 2.3 per cent from $66 to $67.50 next year.
Sarnia's animal control, property standards and parking will merge in the By-Law Enforcement Division January 1st. The amalgamation will save $200,000.
Council is considering moving the parking authority from Wellington St. to a property across from the Public Works Yard on Devine St.
City Council also approved a blended water and sewer rate increase of 2.6 percent.
