Town taxes are going up 2.5% this year, which, for the average homeowner, means an increase in the town’s portion of the tax bill of about $20.
On May 18 Erin council approved the 2010 budget, which includes total expenditures of almost $12.5-million, down $1,355,508 from the revised 2009 budget.
The 2010 budget includes $5,161,065 in total capital expenditures, down $1,211,808 or 19% over the 2009 revised budget.
The total amount to be raised through town taxes this year is $4,054,276 – which is up $99,090 or about 2.5% over 2009.
While council will not pass its tax rate bylaw until its next meeting on June 1, an anticipated tax increase of 2.5% means residents with an average home assessed at $300,000 will likely pay around $783 in town taxes. Last year the owner of a home assessed at that value would have paid $764 in town taxes.
The town usually receives about 20% of the total tax bill paid by residents, with the majority going to the county and the school boards. That formula means a town spending increase of $40,000 results in a 1% tax increase to residents.
Given the situation,?Erin Mayor Rod Finnie said it is nice the town has received grants from the federal ($1.84-million) and provincial ($1.18-million) governments this year, which total $3,029,705 or 24% of the town’s 2010 budget.
Overall, Finnie feels town staff and council have worked hard to produce an acceptable budget.
“We have tried to be respectful of the taxpayer but also get things done,” Finnie said. He added there are always more projects the town could be working on, but doing so would require more money – and thus a higher tax increase.
Finnie reviewed some of the highlights of the 2010 budget, including $45,500 in election expenses and a 10.6% increase – from $116,709 to $129,172 total – in the annual levies paid to the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Credit Valley Conservation authority.
Major capital expenditures to be covered completely through town funds include:
– $9,900 for accessibility improvements at the front entrance of the municipal building;
– $31,240 to replace the leaking roof at the Hillsburgh arena;
– $42,200 to replace the compressor at the Erin arena;
– $125,000 for a new sander and plow for a public works replacement truck;
– $247,000 to continue work on the town’s servicing and settlement master plan (SSMP);
– $250,000 for land purchase and design costs associated with a new Hillsburgh firehall.
Other major capital projects this year that will be partially covered through federal and/or provincial grants include:
– $115,518 to reconstruct Sideroad 5;
– $591,794 for the rehabilitation of various downtown Hillsburgh streets;
– $1,177,383 for the Erin arena expansion, which includes larger dressing rooms, storage and a new food bank room; and
– $1,310,190 for the Deer Pit stormwater facility.
Finnie said while residents are happy about the reconstruction of Sideroad 5, many have expressed concerns about ongoing road work in Hillsburgh.
The mayor said he understands the frustration, but work is proceeding as fast as possible. Roads Superintendent Larry Van Wyck said paving should start very soon.
Finnie said the Deer Pit project “has been on the books” since before amalgamation in 1998, and it is good to see the project is finally moving forward.
“All we have to do now is convince the county to pay its portion,” said Finnie. The town has been lobbying for some time to get the county contribute to the stormwater management facility.
Erin council unanimously passed the 2010 budget.
