The Township of Laurentian Valley is still crunching the numbers for the 2020 budget. At a special council meeting held on January 14th, the operating budget was reviewed. Treasurer Charlene Jackson says they were able to bring an 8.27% levy increase down to 6.5% with more work to do. Significant changes this year include an increase of $121,000 for administration salaries and benefits which is reflective of a new staff member being hired. Insurance costs went up $46,000, the joint recreation agreement increased by $112,000 and draft library grant is up $33,000. Some of the big items in the budget for Laurentian Valley include $1.39-million for OPP costs, $436,000 to salt and sand the roads, $433,00 for recreation, $165,000 for libraries and cultural costs, $28,000 for tree and plant trimming and removal and in 2020, the town has budgeted $27,000 for website updates. Council salaries, benefits and other expenses showed a 3.5% increase year over year reflecting a total amount of $192,500. Jackson says she will present a report at the next budget meeting on Tuesday (Jan 28) at 5:30pm that will bring the levy increase to under 5%. All budget meetings are open to the public. Total operating costs for the Town of Laurentian Valley are expected to exceed $7.75-million in 2020.