The Town of Lakeshore has passed its 2017 budget in principle with a 3.03% tax increase.
One hot button issue for council was putting $250,000 into an Asset Management Plan reserve...a motion that ultimately passed.
Mayor, Tom Bain, says while he would have liked to see a smaller increase building a reserve is a must.
Bain says this is the first time the town has put money aside for asset management.
"We're planning for the future. So when there's items that we need to purchase that money will be there. I think, by us going ahead with the Asset Management Plan, putting some money away, we may be able to see the day when we're debt free and the money will be there."
He says they'll be hiring additional staff in the Building Department as well, which currently has a 10 week backlog.
"Definitely needed employees in the building and the bylaw section. We're looking at possibly three new subdivisions coming. We know it's going to be a big year for us in 2017. We'll be able to meet that need this summer."
Bain adds the roads budget is getting some much needed help in 2017 as well.
"The one other area where we put increased money is into roads. It's an area where we've kind of let slide year after year and the residents have certainly spoke loud and clear. Admittedly we've cut back on it."
Highlighting the list of capital projects for the coming year is a new boardwalk at Belle River Beach...something Bain says residents have been asking for.