A big tax hike that was looming for those in Niagara-On-The-Lake seems to be seeing a downward trend.
The N-O-T-L finance advisory committee is trying to pull back on what was originally going to be an 11 percent increase in taxes to 9.7 percent and then got it down to 7 percent in the latest 2018 budget draft.
The decrease was accomplished by councillors approving parking rate increases of 25 cents an hour and reducing expense accounts for councillors, senior staff, and employee recognition.
Another cost cutting measure includes a possible tourist lodging tax that is being considered. Hotel and short term rental owners will be consulted regarding these measures as the discussions continue.
The next draft of the budget is expected on December 4th.
BOTTOM LINE: There will be an increase to taxes, but how much is yet to be confirmed.
