Huntsville is setting early guidelines for its 2019 budget.
Town staff are suggesting an increase up to 6.3 per cent for taxes next year. That would translate to about a $43 increase on a $300,000 home. There are a few reasons for a needed increase including a jump in operational costs like fuel, hydro and changes to the labour laws.
Town officials also estimate the capital costs of Huntsville’s infrastructure are about $7 million each year, which means more money needs to go into capital reserves.
A final draft of the budget, based on the financial needs of each of the town’s departments, will be presented to councillors and the public on December 12th.