If you live in Kincardine — you will soon have to pay more for different services.
Several municipal fees will be changing on January 1st, 2010.
Council has unanimously approved at the Committee of the Whole level changes recommended by various committees — with no debate or discussion.
The changes are meant to meet a targeted 6.5 per cent reduction in operating budgets in what is expected to be a challenging year.
Council claims the fees will also better reflect the actual cost of services provided.
Building and plumbing inspection rates are going up two per cent.
There is a two per cent increase for dog licence’s, and facility rentals are also going up by the same amount.
Fire department fees are going up in order to better recover costs and reflect the costs of staff time and material.
Mayor Larry Kraemer says the municipality is currently facing a 20 percent tax increase for 2010 — largely because of a drop in provincial transfer payments.
He notes the funding drop is 12 per cent and the fee increases are not huge, but are needed to ensure the financial health of the municipality.
Kraemer says the municipality was supposed to receive a reply from the province over its concerns with the funding changes on Monday — but that did not happen.
Kincardine Council is holding a pre-budget meeting tonight at 5 PM at the Municipal Administration Centre.