Blue Mountains has completed its 2009 budget and it calls for a 2.2 per cent increase in the municipal tax rate.
But the budget faced opposition right to the end.
The economic recession is still a big worry for town councillors, but after cutting the tax increase from 4.9 to 2.2 per cent — they adopted the 43-million dollar budget.
When combined with the Grey County levy — ratepayers in the Blue Mountains will see a 1.3 per cent tax increase.
The final document includes a 25 per cent cut in staff and council travel and training allowances.
Councillor Bob Gamble was the only member to vote against approval.
Gamble tells Bayshore Broadcasting News there should be no increase — or even a tax cut this year — to help ratepayers facing increased costs.
Gamble pointed out the town’s many retirees have seen a big drop in investment income over the past several months.
Another concern for Gamble is the province is already warning municipalities that the flow of cash could be slowed this year and next.
Finance Director Rob Cummings says his department is keeping a careful watch on the economy and potential decreases in revenues.
Cummings adds service levels will be reviewed, again, when work on the 2010 budget starts in August.