The City of Dryden has approved the 2020 municipal budget.
The roughly $14.4-million budget contains no tax increase and no hike in water/sewer rates.
It also includes no service level reductions.
Councillor Shayne MacKinnon voted against the budget, noting the document doesn’t address poverty and social issues.
He also agreed with staff of a minimal 2% tax hike, stressing spending right now comes mostly from reserves.
Capital work totals $6.58-million, with significant improvements planned for Van Horne Avenue, from Duke Street to Victoria Avenue.
The current spending model for the City of Dryden is as follows:
-Transportation and road costs: $0.34 per tax dollar.
-Policing costs: $0.24 per tax dollar.
-Recreation and culture: $0.12.
-Social Services: $0.11.
This will be the final year of major debt repayment for the City at $3.4-million.
That will drop to $1-million in 2021.
