The first steps of this year’s budget is being debated by Madawaska Valley Township.
The draft budget predicts a 3% increase in levies, but councillors at this week’s meeting wanted to get it down to 2%. Funding includes setting aside more money for building a Salt Dome in Barry’s Bay in the next few years. There are also funds allocated for improvements to the Paul J Yakabuski and Combermere Community Centers. Funding for road projects like sidewalk repairs for Siberia Road and and the resurfacing of Paugh Lake Road were included, as well as gravel resurfacing and purchasing new vehicles.
Fire service funding has also increased to offset replacing equipment and infrastructure for the stations. While no extra funding has been budgeted for spring flooding, $60,000Â has been set aside for weather events in anticipation of potential need. OPP billing has also increased for the 2020 budget year.
Discussion is still continuing and a revised budget will be presented later this year.