On March 19 Puslinch council approved the township’s 2014 operating and capital budget with a 2.9 per cent tax increase.
Mayor Dennis Lever said the township held three budget meetings before making this decision.
“Out of that, we are now looking at a change of 2.9% on the township tax levy,” said Lever.
He added the entire budget will be posted on the township website, as well as details from the previous budget meetings.
“There’s a lot of information there,” said Lever.
He noted one of the things discussed at the county level is the difference in the assessment changes depending on location within Wellington County.
“It’s very high in the south end and low in the north,” Lever explained.
He said including Wellington County’s 2014 approved budget and the education tax rate, the blended tax impact for the average Puslinch residence valued at $562,000 is an increase of 2.67% or $150.
The Puslinch Township increase is about $27.
“Puslinch council has passed a responsible budget that continues to focus on key priorities,” said Lever.
Budget highlights
Major expenditures in this year’s budget include:
– over $1.2 million in road and bridge projects the township states will “maintain a safe and efficient transportation network,” including improvements to French’s Bridge, Concession 2, and Leslie Road, plus a “streetscaping” project in Morriston (“to create more of a hamlet feel”);
– $328,500 transferred to capital reserves for future projects and equipment;
– information technology software upgrades;
– flooring for the main hall of the Puslinch Community Centre;
– a cenotaph restoration project; and
– recreation and fire master plan studies.
Lever added he was very pleased with the budget process this year. “It was a lot of work. The budget is very detailed,” he said.
