Thunder Bay’s budget is expected to grow by an additional 3.17% in 2020 or just over $200-million.
City treasurer Linda Evans explains investment in the city is expected to cut that number down for taxpayers. “This means that $1.6-million of the municipal tax levy increase will not create additional financial burden. As a result, the 2020 tax levy increase after growth is 2.32%.” The city treasurer adds savings are coming from dividends paid through Tbaytel, as well as lower Thunder Bay transit operating costs.
She’s also looking to what the city plans to spend money on, some of it from the $24.4-million Infrastructure budget. “The Balmoral Street re-construction from Hewitson to Alloy, there are 4 new pedestrian crossovers that are being proposed, there will be the Marina Park pedestrian overpass rehabilitation.” The city treasurer adds about 30% of the tax levy increase is for police, while other money goes to Emergency 911 service.
City manager Norm Gale is pleased with how the budget turned out.
Meantime listen to 99.9 The Bay on Monday morning at 8:35 as John Ongaro interviews city officials Norm Gale and Linda Evans on the 2020 budget.
City manager Norm Gale, city treasurer Linda Evans
