Kenora city council has narrowly passed the 2025 budget.
The budget passed by a vote of four to three.
Barb Manson was one of the councillors to vote against the 8.12 percent increase.
“I started this budget process with high hopes and with the mindset to set the budget to a percentage that everyone could afford and still allow the city to carry on with essential services,” Manson told council before a recorded vote on the budget.
“The number in my mind was between a 3 and 5 percent increase in property taxes. As a council we were neither brave nor bold and we needed to be.”
Manson says she’s disappointed by this year’s increase in property taxes.
“The mayor and a couple of our other councillors have come up with some viable solutions which we failed in getting consensus of council to proceed. I feel I personally have failed our taxpayers, so please accept my apology to each and every one of you.”
Councillor Lisa Moncrief and mayor Andrew Poirier also voted against passing the budget.
The city plans to spend $11.4 million on capital projects this year, which includes money for roads, bridges, wastewater upgrades, and a roof replacement at the Keewatin Public Library.
