It's early in the game but Orillia ratepayers are facing a 2.95 per cent tax increase as councillors got a first blush of the 2019 budget.
For a home assessed at $250,000, the increase would be about $90 to the property tax bill.
Councillors began the budget process yesterday, with an overview of the document.
Mayor Steve Clarke said during budget deliberations, council will take into consideration investing in core services and infrastructure, maximizing cost savings, identifying potential service enhancements, and providing contribution to our reserves which enable the City to save for future needs.
The city's financial position shows a surplus of $1.8 million, and a number of factors are at play including higher than anticipated tax growth, increase in building permit revenues and a later opening date for the new recreation centre.
Approval of the budget will take place in early February.
