TIMMINS - Council members are ready to sit down to start hashing out the 2025 budget.
The group is taking its first look at the budget tonight (Nov. 5). The meeting starts at 5 p.m. in city hall.
As the talks start, the proposed net budget that impacts taxes residents pay is at $49.3 million, which is $1.8 million — or 3.5 per cent — more than 2024. The document does not include what the proposed levy increase would see the average homeowner paying in taxes.
The proposed net operating budget is $38.9 million, an $865,095 — or 2.2 per cent — decrease from 2024. At $49.3 million, the net capital budget is $2.7 million — or 26.3 per cent — more than this year.
The increase does not include budgets from agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs) that also may impact the tax levy. Council members have made over $10.2 million in requests that also aren't included.
Water and wastewater rates will also go up, but have not been approved yet.
The redevelopment of the Golden Manor continues to have a significant impact on the budget.
For 2025, the capital budget includes a $2.6 million transfer to reserve for the projected. the projected construction costs are estimated at $46.4 million, which is offset with funding.
Other notable capital projects are:
- $13.3 million for Connecting Link work. It includes $11.6 million for Highway 101 from Crawford to the Porcupine bridge, $452,000 for the Crawford creek culvert, $165,000 to design future phases, and $595,000 for the contract administration contract. The cost is partially offset by funding.
- $1.2 million to retro fit Del Villano park. That includes $952,000 for pickleball and tennis courts and lights (a funding application is being submitted) and $300,000 to install a cricket field.
- $2.5 million for grind and pave, which is offset with gas tax funding.
- $1.1 million for the second phase of the Mattagami boat launch project, which includes pavers, furniture and fixtures, barbecues, parking lot expansion, lighting upgrades and a graffiti wall. The city is applying for funding to cover 50 per cent of the cost.
- $1 million for the reconstruction of Moose Creek.
- $880,000 to upgrade the traffic light at Airport Road and Westmount, which is partially offset with cash from the traffic light reserve.
- $750,000 for the Archie Dillon Sportsplex pool upgrades, which includes $275,000 to paint the walls and ceiling, $225,000 for an access ladder and to replace the entrance doors, and $250,000 for the grouting of the three pools.
- $550,000 to prepare Falcon Street in Porcupine for the Ontario Northland Railway station.
- $500,000 for the design of a new fire hall.
For transit, the capital expenses include $2.3 million for three conventional buses, with the cost being offset by funding. There's also $2.5 million to build a bus wash facility, and $1.5 million for a cold storage building construction, which are both offset with funding.
No decision has been made on any of the items.
Read the full presentation here.
