Melville City Council approved it’s 2020 Budget Monday night (Feb. 24), and it includes a tax increase of 2.73 per cent.

For the average homeowner in Melville, it is an increase of $50.66 annually or $4.22 per month.

“That’s just to cover additional operating expenses and capital projects that we’re planning to do in the year,” said Lynsey Swanson Director of Finance for the City of Melville.

“We have information that we presented also to Council about the tax rates within cities in Saskatchewan that have been set thus far, and it kind of puts us in the middle of the pack in terms of cities in Saskatchewan and tax rates set for 2020,”

We definitely believe the 2.73 per cent that we’ve passed through Council is a reasonable expectation.” Swanson added.

Swanson says the budget also covers “putting more money into capital replacement projects.”

“We have a large portion of that percentage is actually going back into reserves to fund capital road road replacement plans and things like that throughout the city to make sure that we’re sustainable into the future.” she said regarding where money from the 2.73 per cent taxation increase is allocated.

Phase one of replacing the swimming pool is one of many projects approved for this year.

“Basically what we’re looking to do there is demolish our current pool at the end of the pool season this year. There is $800-thousand in this year’s budget in order to do so, and then start on renovations to be completed in 2021 with a new pool in place.” Swanson explained.

Other approved projects are water main valve and hydrant replacement; asbestos abatement at city buildings; new LED lights at the Horizon Credit Union Centre; sewer line replacement; paving from Prince Edward Street to Montreal Street and the continuation of removing sidewalk trip hazards as well as making sidewalks more accessible.