Winkler residents and business owners can expect small increases on their tax bill this year ahead of a pair of groundbreaking recreation and waste water projects.
Debt is also expected to double on the city of Winkler’s books in 2018 ahead of the investments.
However, Winkler Mayor Martin Harder notes last year's $4.6 million debt is the lowest it's been in 20 years.
"The debt servicing that is going to be required is being brought in because of waste water and the desire for the exhibition centre," Harder says. "So we're trying to make that work."
The waste water project depends on federal and provincial funding. No announcement was made in Monday's provincial budget.
If that funding does come through the city's waste water treatment plant will add $4 million in debt with construction expected to begin this summer. The Meridian Exhibition Centre expansion will add $2 million with construction likely beginning this fall.
The exhibition centre was originally envisioned as a multi-phase, $40 million project. However, it's since been scaled back, "because we need to start somewhere," Harder says.
"The desire is there from the citizens," Harder says, adding at this point, the city is planning for the addition of a second arena and exhibition centre.
In total debt is climbing to $9.52 million from $4.26 million.
This year's $16.2 million budget represents a 3.9 percent increase over last year.
Residents can expect to pay slightly more on their tax bill, on average $50 more, representing a 2.5 percent increase over last year.
Business owners will see a small increase, 1.5 percent, on average paying $69 more this year.
However, the mill rate is dropping to the lowest level in 5 years, helped by rising property values as 2018 is a reassessment year. On average property values rose by eight percent.
Harder notes a just over a decade ago the city's budget has doubled.
"The city has grown and the tax rate has been very stable," he says. "It's something a lot of communities cannot grasp, that we can do as many things as we're doing."
A homeowner with property valued at $300,000 in 2017 will pay $1,979.
Meanwhile, a business owner with $500,000 in property will pay $4,716.
When it comes to major projects for 2018 the city has earmarked $1.2 million for the twinning of highway 32.
Winkler’s rapidly expanding Clover Creek industrial park has $1.7 million coming for infrastructure.
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