Belleville city council begins a possible three days of debate for the 2019 operating budget on Tuesday.
The result will have an affect on municipal taxes.
Director of Finance Brian Cousins is presenting a draft 2019 budget at nearly $157 million, almost $103 million raised from municipal taxes.
As part of the budget proposal, six new full time staff are being requested in various departments, including two new overnight transit bus drivers, due to heavy demand from riders for the new nighttime service.
The draft budget has a 6.5% increase over last year, 1% of that is for pre-approved budget issues.
Four-point-four percent is to maintain existing services.
The draft figures translate into a 1.8% to 2.59% residential tax rate increase, depending upon where you live.
The draft municipal rate changes:
Belleville Urban – 2.59%
Cannifton Urban Fire – 2.47%
Cannifton Rural Fire – 1.83%
Rural – 1.76%
