Thorold’s regional councillor appeared at city council last Tuesday to announce the good news.
After staff members went over the budget “with a sharp pencil,” they were able to reduce costs, he reported.
What it means for Thorold taxpayers is that they will see a modest hike—of about $56—in 2019, stated Whalen.
At a previous council meeting, he’d projected an $84 increase for an average Thorold homeowner.
Some of the big-budget items contributing to the tax hike include repairs to Thorold Stone Road and Martindale Road, as well as $21 million in updates to the Decew Water Treatment plant.
Mayor Terry Ugulini described the latter as “a great project,” and added that the plant “supplies most of the city of Thorold with their drinking water.”
In other regional news, Whalen mused that he’s been “re-sentenced to another three months at the NPCA (Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority).”
“We have appointed temporary CAO, Gayle Wood,” he added, as the agency focuses on restructuring. “What a breath of fresh air.”
Extolling her many years of experience and transparent manner, “We’re trying to be more open and fiscally responsible,” said Whalen. “And we’re looking at having different levels of expertise on the NPCA.”
Whalen, who’s heading up the annual Runway of Recognition banquet to honour Thorold athletes, still has tickets for the event, which runs this Tuesday, March 26 at John-Michael’s Banquet Hall in Thorold South. Tickets cost $20 and are available at the Thorold Community Credit Union on Front Street.
