Over the next two days it will be all budget talk in Brockton as council looks over the 300 page draft budget document.
Mayor Chris Peabody says Council and staff will work together over the next few days going over the budget line by line scrutinizing all of the numbers.
The draft budget proposed by staff says Peabody represents a 10 % increase to the levy. (9.9%)
Peabody calls this proposed increase two high and says he would like to see the increase more closely mirror the rate of inflation somewhere in the 2% mark.
The draft budget contains a large number of capital projects, for Peabody roads are his top concern.
He notes Brockton has 500 km of roads and residents demand a level of care and maintenance.
While whittling down the budget won’t be without its challenges there are some good news items in the draft budget.
Provincial grant dollars have remained fairly consistent and in some cases they have increased for Brockton.
Due to a 3 % MPAC increase Brockton will also have almost 400 thousand dollars in new assessment money to work with as well.
Council will deliberate over the draft budget today and tomorrow and if necessary, Peabody says they will schedule another date next week.