The public meeting for the budget drew eight ratepayers to gain an understanding of the 2025 budget proposals and make their views heard at the January 9th meeting. Some residents came with specific concerns about infrastructure in their area, while others had broader concerns about the level of the tax rate increase and how it could be managed. While some were there to seek reassurances that Council would keep the rate increase low given the financial pressures facing residents, others were encouraging higher contributions to the Asset Replacement Reserves and new spending towards programs that would help seniors age in place.
In the end both sides were heard. The proposed rate increase fell from the 4.9% discussed in Draft 2 of the budget to land at 3.4% in the final budget. Last year’s rate increase was 3.37%. The 2025 budget also includes significant contributions to reserves. Of the $12,111,854 to be raised through property taxes, 26.3% or $3,187,939 is being set aside for future infrastructure projects. The largest single transfer, more than $2.7 million, will be contributed to the Asset Replacement Reserves which will help pay for the maintenance and ultimate replacement of municipal infrastructure including roads, bridges and municipal facilities. Other reserve funds receiving transfers are designated for parks and facilities, protective service and road maintenance equipment. This budget also established a new reserve fund called a health and medical reserve fund. As communities across the province and beyond look for ways to attract new medical services, it has become clear that municipalities have to invest to help attract the health service providers they need. This reserve sets aside funds to help with those costs.
An itemized list of these contributions and details for all expenditures for each department is available in the Final Budget Report included in the Council Agenda for the January 27th meeting as well as on the township website. KG