Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos is pointing to a $1-million provincial grant as a big reason for the drop in the tax increase in the proposed budget.
"That really bolstered our schedule for infrastructure improvements and capital program," says Santos.
A second day of budget talks in Kingsville on Wednesday saw the proposed tax increase drop from 4.5% to 2.1% which will help cover adding over $200,000 into reserves.
"This council has incorporated into the budget a number of allocations for reserves in addition to the spending," says Santos, adding $100,000 has been put away for future renovations of the police station. "We're hoping maybe within a five-year period we'll be able to have enough funds in reserve to commence the project."
The current proposed property tax increase means about a $25 jump on the municipal portion of the bill on a $200,000 home. The blended rate with county and education levies included brings the dollar increase to about $39 for the average home in Kingsville.
Some of the major projects council is committing to include changing street lights to LED technology, improvements to the intersection of Road 3 and Graham Side Rd. near Ruthven as well as sewer upgrades for flooding relief along Wigle Ave.
Santos says a third day of budget talks scheduled for April 29 may not be needed as the provisional budget could be passed at an upcoming council meeting.
