Petrolia Proposes 1.4 Per Cent Tax Hike

Petrolia council is hosting a public budget presentation this evening from 5:30-6:45 at Victoria Hall. Mayor John McCharles says proposed spending is up by over $300,000 to $6.1-million but ratepayers will likely see their taxes rise by 1.4 per cent or $21 per $100,000 of assessment. "There's a few changes that have come about in the past year that are in the budget this year, and I think that they certainly add to the cost," says McCharles. "Our expenses are up a little bit, but all in all, we probably look for between a one and a two percent increase overall when you add in the county and the education." Petrolia and Enniskillen will now have a part-time fire chief instead of a volunteer, with Petrolia picking up $26,000 of the $40,000 cost. About $300,000 will be spent on road resurfacing and the arena is going to get a new Zamboni. Council could approve the budget tonight if there are no objections or table it to a later date.