On March 6, Erin council adopted its 2013 budget – and with it a local tax increase of 15% – without much discussion.
In fact, a town-issued press release on the budget made no mention at all of the large local increase, instead highlighting a “blended” tax rate increase (including county and education portions) of 4 per cent or $172 for a typical house assessed at $387,750.
“This budget will protect and strengthen key town priorities and services,” Mayor Lou Maieron said in the press release.
“The town will continue to support the community by improving and maintaining its infrastructure like roads, bridges and provide affordable recreational services.
“Council also invested in our future by approving several new initiatives, including the development of a town strategic plan, an economic development strategy, and the start of an operational review.”
The mayor continued, “Council also decided to allocate the $275,000 surplus to the town’s infrastructure renewal fund reserves by $200,000 and $75,000 to the tax stabilization reserve.”
Other budget highlights mentioned in the town’s press release include:
– $15,007 to meet EMS requirements to “enter into an agreement with the City of Guelph for stationing an ambulance at the Hillsburgh Fire Station” (improvements costs will be recovered from Guelph as part of the agreement);
– $100,000 for the Servicing and Settlement Master Plan (SSMP) study (the “next phase of the SSMP will be undertaken in 2013”);
– $259,000 to resurface “several sections of hardtop roads”;
– $300,000 for a new road grader (replacing the 1999 road grader;
– $324,804 to begin the reconstruction of Sideroad 17; and
– $355,819 to completed the addition and renovations to Hillsburgh Fire Station #50 (the 2013 cost includes “finishing and furnishings”).
“This year was a transition from non-discretionary costs to a long-term financially sustainable budget in the coming years,” CAO Frank Miele said in the town’s press release.
“Town council has passed a responsible and proactive budget.
“This budget reflects Council’s initiatives to delivering service excellence in a cost effective manner, and begin to strategically plan its future. I like to thank council and staff for their efforts in the preparation of this budget.”
The 2013 capital and operating budget can be viewed on the town website at www.erin.ca.
