It was not easy, but Leamington's municipal council has passed a budget for next year that will not increase the municipal levy.
Council approved a zero per cent increase.
"It was very challenging for council to retain the same level of service our residents have come to expect while weighing the economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our community," said Mayor Hilda MacDonald.
The draft budget proposed an increase of two per cent. That would have worked out to another $24.41 for a home assessed at $175,000.
The draft called for gross capital spending of $26.3 million, about $2.6 million less than in 2020.
In 2021, some of the more notable capital projects include continued investment in drainage works, the replacement of a Leamington Transit bus, and new investment at Leamington parks.
The budget includes new traffic signals for the intersections of Sherk Street and Ellison Avenue, and Seacliff Drive and Cherry Lane.
There will also be improvements made at the pollution control centre.
"This budget, although fiscally conservative, is one that will allow us to continue to focus on the priorities set out in our strategic plan, while at the same time continuing to invest in people and quality services," said CAO Peter Neufeld.
Total spending for next year is about $74.2 million.
