The amount we spend on infrastructure like roads is one concern for Council in the 2020 budget.
Wednesday night, City Council got an overview of the last few budgets and the highlights of the proposed 2020 financial document.
When it comes to the city’s infrastructure deficit, Mark Bentz says Thunder Bay might be dealing with an “infrastructure emergency.”
The financial overview presented Wednesday shows the city’s assets like roads, sidewalks, and storm sewers requires an average of $55.1 million each year to maintain them. The city is only setting aside $32.8 million, leaving a deficit of $22.3 million.That’s how much is required to maintain the city’s existing infrastructure to current standards, and also includes the money put into reserves to replace that infrastructure.
Bentz claims Thunder Bay is going “in the wrong direction” with its infrastructure spending.
Mayor Bill Mauro suggests the city should brace for less support from the province and the feds in the long term, such as the gas tax and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. However, he wants to reassure residents that the city’s assets aren’t “falling apart”.
Director of Financial Services Dawn Paris points out that gap will be closed over the course of several years, not taken care of in a single budget.
The budget process continues Thursday night with deputations from residents. So far, five presentations are expected.
The budget for 2020 is starting out with a proposed total tax levy increase of 3.17 percent. After certain assessment adjustments and other factors, the city says that figure is 2.32 percent.
The city says overall, the proposed 2020 municipal tax levy of $200.2 million represents an increase of $6.1 million over 2019.