Sault Ste. Marie City Finance Commissioner Shelley Schell talks about the city’s Preliminary Budget after Monday’s City Council meeting.

It’s not a final figure. But a preliminary budget with a 5.23 percent increase to the levy was brought to council’s attention on Monday night. Just over a third of that levy increase — 1.8 percent — would be used to maintain city services. The 5.23 number isn’t sitting well with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, who suggested that the city change its taxation rates to encourage new business in the city. Finance Commissioner Shelley Schell said little when asked about the Chamber’s idea…

A suggestion was made by Councillor Steve Butland that the city’s Working Fund — about 1 million dollars is in there — be used to be spent on something. Butland also took the opportunity to ask about the lean on Essar Steel — a collection of about 14 million dollars from them. Schell answered that there are no changes there, with plans to collect that money. Some of the discussion involved getting this and future budgets passed quicker than they have been. Schell it will take some time for that to happen…

Two public open houses about the budget are planned for Wednesday February 17th from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday February 20th from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Civic Centre. A schedule for council to move towards passing the 2016 budget is expected to be presented at the next Council meeting on February 22nd. When asked about any found money that may be found before the budget is passed, Schell answered that this won’t be the case this year…

Higher fuel and energy costs will also result in a higher budget for the community services department — costs that had been absorbed previously. If there is one area the city may benefit, it would be winter maintenance thanks to the mild start and lack of snow in the late fall and early winter. Schell says there will be a lesser deficit for snow removal as a result. A process is being worked on to help the city deal with the financial ups and downs of winter weather.