Petrolia council has approved a 2018 budget that contains just a 1% increase in the mill rate, and a 10% reduction in the sewer rate with another 5% decline in 2019.
Mayor John McCharles says that's about $2,100 in savings for the average household over the next ten years.
"Staff has come forward with something we can live with," says McCharles. "This is especially true with the increase in the minimum wage January first which will add about $68,000 to the operating budget."
Water rates will increase by 2%.
"Our water rates are staying fairly consistent. In fact, we have the fourth lowest combined water/sewer rates in Lambton County," says McCharles.
There was also a $136,000 decrease in provincial funding through the Municipal Partnership Fund.
Council approved capital expenditures of over $1.6-million which includes new carpeting in Victoria Hall, newfire department radios and phase two of the Florence, Egan and Kerby St reconstruction project.
