Belleville council will set its 2021 operating budget at a special meeting next week.
As it stands, staff will present a draft budget showing a half percent increase to taxpayers.
In a YouTube video posted on Twitter, Thurlow ward Councillor Bill Sandison says external agencies such as Hastings County have had to increase budgets significantly due to changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
City council has no control of external budgets.
The draft city budget also includes requests for three new full time employees.
City council will hold a special virtual budget meeting at 9 o’clock Tuesday March 30.
Details and issues involved in the draft 2021 budget can be seen in the March 30 agenda package.
