Thunder Bay Council gets to work on the 2022 Operating and Capital Budget with an October election on the horizon.

How might the process go with some on council that want to run again in October?

“Generally speaking, in an election year, the incumbents like to go to their constituents and say ‘we brought in a budget with an increase of’ whatever that number happens to be. It helps them on the campaign, there’s no question about that,” says At Large Councillor Rebecca Johnson.

The proposed Municipal Tax Levy is set at 2.44 per cent before growth and 2.29 per cent after growth.

Johnson feels the levy is higher based on additions that council approved in the last three months.

When it comes to her election future, Johnson has not made a formal announcement as to whether her name will be on the ballot.

The only person that had announced their intention to run in October is Lori Paras, who intends to run for the McKellar Ward seat occupied by Brian Hamilton.

Candidates can file nomination papers on Monday, May 2nd with it closing on Friday, August 19th at 2:00 p.m.

Election Day is Monday, October 24th.

2022 Key Budget Drivers

Increases to the tax levy include:

$1.6 million increase for Police Services
$1 million capital financed by the tax levy
$1 million in expansions, including Licensing & Enforcement, Parks (Pool 6) and Superior North EMS
$500,000 in Program and Services Review implementation including HR Recruitment, Digital Strategy and Municipal Recycling Program
$500,000 in Insurance premiums
$300,000 for Outside Boards
$200,000 for the Police Services Board

Reductions to the tax levy include:

$1.3 million in tax write-offs, insurance claims and legal fees reduction based on recent trend analysis
$800,000 in Increased Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocation
$600,000 in reduced Thunder Bay Fire Rescue staffing costs in accordance with the Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Master Plan
$300,000 in user fee increases

The estimated impact of COVID-19 in 2022 is $7 million.