THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay News – City Council is seeking public input. The city states, “Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the City’s tax-supported Budget after Council’s review and before it’s officially approved”.

City Council wants public input into budget

Interested residents are welcome to attend on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers. Individuals and groups who wish to speak will have up to 10 minutes each. There is no need to register in advance. This will be the final public consultation meeting.

The proposed 2013 budget would result in a municipal tax rate decrease of 3.41% which will assist in offsetting the impact of the unprecedented property value reassessment increases through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

The proposed municipal tax levy of $159.6 million is an increase of 2.6% or $4 million over 2012.  Of the total $4 million increase in the levy, $0.9 million, or .6%, relates to the City’s Net Operating Budget – largely due to higher costs for emergency services – and $3.1 million or 2% relates to increased investments in infrastructure, primarily roads.

Council has been hearing from concerned residents and groups. The Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay was before Council on February 5th expressing concern over the impact of a re-assessment of their building and property has them almost $40,000 in arrears on their taxes. Like all similar facilities, the Boys and Girls Club receives no core funding from the City of Thunder Bay. 

The overall levy increase is 1.1% below the Budget Direction for 2013 approved by Council in the fall of 2012. Residents are asked to call 625-2230 (Office of the City Clerk) for more information. City Council is expected to ratify the 2013 Budget on March 4, 2013 subject to approval on Feb. 12, 2013.

For more information visit www.thunderbay.ca