While most municipalities are well into the budget process, a Manitoulin Island municipality has passed their budget for 2025.
The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands passed its 2025 budget with a 2.99 percent increase for residents of Ward 2 (Little Current) and a 3.5 percent for Wards 3 and 4 (Sheguiandah and Honora).
CAO Dave Williamson says the total levy for 2025 is $7,090,658, which includes several capital projects, such as road work, opening additional home building lots, new equipment for public works including a new community services garage and upgrading lighting, bathroom and kitchen facilities at the recreation complex.
Williamson adds recreational projects including a walking track at Low Island, a possible disc golf course, and a stage at the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah.
He says the fuel dock in Little Current needs new fuel pumps and there will also be a new fire truck and HVAC unit for the fire department.
He also noted the tax increase is much less than anticipated since grant funding came through to cover the original anticipated 22% increase in policing costs for the OPP.
