Sarnia council is facing a property tax hike of about five per cent heading into budget deliberations on Tuesday.
City administrators released amendments on Friday, that trim the proposed general levy increase by one hundredth.
The draft increase of 4.91 per cent on the general levy and 5.82 per cent on the transit levy, has been reduced to a 4.90 per cent general levy increase and 5.58 per cent transit levy hike.
In a report to council, staff highlighted a decrease in 2025 insurance premiums, amounting to just over $160,000, and a savings of $34,000 by eliminating Christmas tree pickup.
In the capital and reserves budget, staff said the city will receive $3,812,100 from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund in 2025, an increase of $244,900 from the 2024 allocation.
A $235,000 request for parks department equipment is no longer needed, and $400,000 in previously allocated OLG funding to the Clearwater Arena project will now be applied to Germain Park improvements.
A total of $400,000 for the Wellington Street water/sanitary/storm sewer extension will now be funded from the development charges reserve instead of the Build Better Faster Fund.
If approved, requests made during a budget input and grants session could increase the levy further.
Sarnia council meets virtually at 9 a.m.
