Sudbury weighs rate increases, new spending for 2014

Sudbury city councillors are in the home stretch of budget negotiations.

After weeks of discussions and negotiations, councillors are expected to make decisions this week that will determine how much Sudburians will pay in taxes and fees in 2014.  

City council is expected to decide on water rates at a meeting Dec. 3.

In 2012, councillors decided against an average $74 annual increase in water bills. They later approved a $42 increase for the average Sudbury resident.

On Dec. 4, councillors will vote on bigger ticket items that could be added to the city budget, possibly leading to an increase in property taxes.

The most prominent item on the agenda is a $2 million proposal to invest in a new health research institute in Sudbury.

Money is also being sought for arts grants, doctor recruitment and extending city transit in Azilda.

There is also a budget proposal being discussed next week that would increase landfill fees. That item is expected to bring in over half a million dollars for the city, if approved.

The final vote on the full city budget is expected to take place in early 2014.