Aylmer budget talks start with 5.92% increase

Members of the Finance Committee began the draft 2015 Aylmer budget deliberation process with a 5.92 percent levy increase they aimed to bring down to as close to zero as possible.

The committee, which is comprised of all members of council, heard most staff reports during their first meeting on Wednesday, March 4.

Of note was a recommendation to council to send the draft 2015 Aylmer Police budget back to the Police Services Board for further cuts.

The draft police budget had a 0.44 percent increase, or about $10,000, increase over 2014.

Fire Chief Sam Taylor also recommended the town spend up to $930,000 to replace the 37-year-old aerial (ladder) truck.

No decisions were made during the meeting as all Finance Committee recommendations have to be ratified by council.

Two more meetings are scheduled for Monday, March 9 and Thursday, March 12.

Both meetings will be in council chambers at Town Hall and begin at 4:30 p.m.