Many Hastings Highlands residents feel their budget questions went unanswered

Many residents of Hastings Highlands left feeling their questions were unanswered at a municipal budget meeting.

Some residents say they left disappointed from last night’s meeting.

The budget is set to see a 2.2 per cent increase to taxes in the area.

This would cover the over $8.4-million operating budget, over $1.1-million capital budget, and result in a surplus for the town at the end of 2016.

Some say they feel the municipality should have created a more accurate budget, that does not end in a surplus.

The issue of municipal curbside waste collection was also addressed, with the service not being offered in Hastings Highlands since the end of 2014.

One woman says it’s not as if her taxes decreased as a result of the loss of service.

Council is hoping to adopt the municipal budget and the tax rate by-law during its meeting on May 18^th.