Six months of debate and cuts across the board have come to an end with the passing of the 2013 Dryden budget. The average ratepayer will see a 6.9-percent increase, however those with a higher property assessment will by looking at a roughly 9.3-percent hike. The final vote last night was 4-3 in favour of the budget and Brian Collins was one of those who supported it. Interim City Manager Art Wellington says the hike is needed to cover the costs of the mill assessment, the Dryden Mobility debenture debt and Dryden Telephone debt.
