Many municipal councils like Kapuskasing are facing new challenges of putting budgets together during a pandemic. Some are faced with revenue losses, especially from recreational facilities. Although town staff found ways to handle the losses it still means a one per cent tax increase. Mayor Dave Plourde says there really was no choice.
“We try to hold things at zero but that’s not a reality,” he said. “Everything goes up, costs go up, so I think we can’t go forever for bringing it up slightly. It’s the best we can do really under the circumstances especially this year.”
The tax increase translates into about $120,000 extra in the town’s coffers.
Plourde says despite a lot of challenges, staff and council did a great job in preparing the budget during a pandemic.
“Coming out with something that reflects what we need in our community, as well as the ability to take care of infrastructure needs,” he said. “I think staff and council have gone a long ways in ensuring that.”
