Tax hike looms

Sarnia homeowners would have to dig deep to foot the municipal tax bill in 2015, if the city’s draft budget passes unchanged. Swelling insurance prices, rising salary costs and the debt load from the RBC Centre are key factors pushing a proposed 6.

Sarnia homeowners would have to dig deep to foot the municipal tax bill in 2015, if the city’s draft budget passes unchanged.

Swelling insurance prices, rising salary costs and the debt load from the RBC Centre are key factors pushing a proposed 6.05 per cent tax hike, said finance director Brian McKay.

That represents another $100 in taxes on a home valued at $200,000.

Council had asked city staff to target a 2% increase, which represents a steep divide, said Mayor Mike Bradley.

The spending blueprint will be presented to the new city council this month for a vote in December.