Fort Frances town council wants to see the size of the operating budget reduced.
Council’s budget discussions Tuesday focused on the operating side, which shows $427,969 higher than 2021.
Treasurer Dawn Galusha presented three taxing options that also address the town’s large industrial rate.
Most council members are leaning toward an option that brings that rate in line with a smaller industrial one within two years.
The option also proposes a 4.48 per cent in the residential rate.
That is concerning to some on council.
Councillor Andrew Hallikas worries that will be difficult for some to handle.
“I’m not sure if this is the year to go that way, and I’m wondering if we can do something like lower the tax rate by just doing it, across the board 1% cut,” says Hallikas.
Council Rick Wiedenhoeft says young families will be hit hardest by such a sizable increase.
“They have high mortgages, high rents, high food costs, high closing costs. They’re just struggling, and they cannot afford to take a 4% or greater hit,” says Wiedenhoeft.
Councillor John McTaggart suggested using any budget surpluses to keep rates down.
Treasurer Dawn Galusha noted surpluses are directed toward reserve funds for future infrastructure needs.
Council will be back to discuss administration’s findings in two weeks.
