Blake Ellis/The Independent

There will be a 4.26 per cent property tax increase in Oil Springs.

The Oil Springs Council passed a balanced $984,000 budget at its May 5 meeting. That’s up $49,000 from last year when the tax increase was 4.9 per cent.

Among some of the larger projects the village will be undertaking this year including replacing guardrails and markers on the Gypsy Flats Bridge for $83,000, as well as the revitalization of the skateboard park for $81,300.

The Gypsy Flats Bridge project was in the 2025 budget but council decided to hold off on this project last summer in favour of conducting sidewalk and curb work on Oil Springs Line. At the time, council expected the work to cost $87,000.

The revitalization of the skateboard park will not go ahead unless a grant is awarded for the project.

There is $25,000 budgeted for the Gum Bed Line construction. This is a joint project between Oil Springs and neighbouring Enniskillen Township.

There will be $50,000 put into reserves for lagoon dredging in the future and another $45,000 put aside for reservoir expenses.

There was $19,680 set aside for work to be completed on the ball diamond. This project is also dependent on a grant being awarded.

Just over $12,800 was budgeted for new air conditioning units to be installed for the Oil Springs post office and public library as well as the installation of window tint for the post office doors and windows, as well as putting strapping and old steel on the village’s salt shed.

Almost $62,000 was also earmarked for the Oil Springs and South Enniskillen Fire Department, Oil Springs’ portion of the fire department.

Enniskillen Township currently covers 78 percent of the cost for the Oil Springs and South Enniskillen Fire Department.