On Feb. 18 Centre Wellington councillors passed a bylaw to adopt the 2014 budget estimates.
Senior management had previously reviewed the 2014 draft budget document with the budget committee on Jan. 29.
At that time, the committee recommended the draft budget be accepted by council.
According to financial manager/deputy treasurer Mark Bradey, a residential property with an average 2014 assessment of $307,550 will see a tax increase of 1.9% or $17.09 on the township’s portion of the total tax bill.
Bradey added the portion of the total tax bill retained by the township is approximately 26%, with the remainder going to Wellington County and school boards.
The budget process began last August with one-on-one meetings with senior staff, department teams, managing directors and councillors.
“I want to commend township staff for the time and energy they have put into the preparation of the 2014 budget,” said budget committee chairman Fred Morris.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj added, “I believe they have been thoughtful and responsible in prioritizing the many needs of our municipality.
“The council and staff collectively have produced a budget that not only recognizes fiscal restraint in times of economic uncertainty, but continues to fully serve our community.”
Setting the operating budget is the final step in arriving at the annual municipal tax rate.
The proposed 2014 tax rate increase is 1.9% which translates to $17.09 for an average property. This is lower than the 2013 increase of 2.11%.
The operating budget works in tandem with the annual capital budget which includes some of the following highlights:
– Victoria Park Seniors Centre expansion;
– park development in the Westminster Highlands subdivision;
– upgrading park facilities for accessibility, including play equipment in Southridge Park and a washroom at Bissell Park;
– upgrading the township civic centre for accessibility, including a lift and public washrooms;
– work on the Second Line from Sideroad 6 to Wellington Road 7;
– work on the Fifth Line North from Wellington Road 18 to Maple Leaf Acres;
– work on Hill Street West in Fergus from Maple Street to the Beatty Line;
– pre-engineering for the reconstruction of Water Street in Elora from High Street to Bridge Street;
– “proactive remediation” on a number of township bridges to extend their useful life;
– reconstruction of Melville Street in Elora from Church Street to Colbourne Street; and
– completion of the Elora wastewater treatment plan upgrades.
