Sarnia council faces a property tax hike of about 4 % heading into budget deliberations Tuesday.
That's down about 1 % from what was originally recommended.
The City of Sarnia's 2017 draft budget currently amounts to $134.8-million.
Finance Director Lisa Armstrong says there have been three big changes since the draft budget was unveiled.
An increase to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund Grant brings nearly $70,000 in additional revenue, cuts were made to the Sarnia Police Services $22.5-million budget and non-statutory benefits in various departments have been reduced further, amounting to nearly $186,000.
About $1.1 million to support the city's vehicle replacement program is one of the biggest pressures driving next years levy increase. Prior to city council making any more cuts, the budget represents an increase of $29 per $100,000 of residential assessment on the municipal portion of the property tax bill.
Council's budget deliberations get underway at 9am.
