Belleville City Treasurer Brian Cousins studies figures while Director of Recreation Mark Fluhrer looks on, during city council’s 2017 capital budget debate, October 25, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville is looking at a tax increase related to its capital budget well under 3%, as the second day of debate wound up Tuesday.
When city council began going through the $36.1 million budget line by line the tax increase sat at 3.4%. It is now at 2.6%.
Mayor Taso Christopher says he’s pleased that council has decided to go ahead with Phase 3 of the downtown revitalization program and now staff will take the necessary steps to get the work done.
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Christopher said the amount of infrastructure projects in this budget being addressed are “phenomenal.”
It’s not over. Capital budget deliberations resume tomorrow (9 a.m. Thursday).
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In its 2017 capital budget, city council has approved money for new bus shelters, $50,000 for renovation of Zwick’s Park #1 multi-sports field and $50,000 to extend the wireless public Wi-Fi network.
The Wi-Fi service will go directly across from city hall to the Waterfront Trail and then from Dundas Street at the south to the bridge and potentially into the revitalized downtown.
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City council has directed staff to investigate three items that pertain to improvements to Belleville’s waterfront and Highway 401 flower display.
Mayor Taso Christopher got council’s support for an outdoor washroom at $150,000, $275,000 for an outdoor stage across from city hall, and $20,000 for astro-turf at the flower bed on North Park Street at Highway 401.
These were all put on long term debt, which means staff will bring back a report but not spend money.
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Councillor Paul Carr urged council to use money in a reserve to repair Airport Parkway roadway.
CN had provided $125,000 to the city after some damage to the road occurred during its rail construction in the area.
Council approved the item.
