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Kitchener council approves 2019 budget, property taxes hiked 2.25 per cent

The front entrance of Kitchener City Hall. Nick Westoll / File / Global News

Kitchener city council has formally approved its budget plan for 2019.

Residents will see a property tax increase of 2.25 per cent, water utilities were hiked 6.5 per cent, and the gas bill was decreased 0.93 per cent.

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The city says the utility hike is too ensure “the safe and consistent delivery of these valued services.”

It’s estimated the budget changes will see the average household pay an extra $96.

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“I believe both council and staff can be proud of the budget we’ve approved here today,” Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said in a statement. “Our investments today reflect the priorities identified by our community during the recent election, our Environics survey and citizen engagement efforts. They help ensure we are a building a better, more caring Kitchener for everyone.”

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The budget has four priority themes: road safety and cycling, environmental sustainability, improving customer service and maintaining and investing in infrastructure.

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