Taxes on a typical residential property here will rise by about $65 as a result of the 2017 budget approved by town council on April 4.
The overall tax rate, including Wellington County and education portions, results in an increase of about 2.2% for the average residential property assessed at $215,000.
The town’s share of the increase is 1.2% once increases in average assessment and tax policy changes at the county are considered.
A report from treasurer Gordon Duff explained: “The proposed levy increase will result in an approximate 1.2% increase for a typical residential property for local purposes only …
“If county projected tax rates go forward, and education rates do not change, the overall increase for a typical single family home will be approximately 2.2% or $65.”
However, Duff cautioned that the latest review by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation will impact taxpayers individually.
“Your change in assessment is going to drive the change in your property tax much more than what we’re doing,” Duff said.
The approved 2017 budget calls for a levy of $4,712,576, up $133,475 or 2.9% from the 2016 budgeted levy of $4,579,101.
A Jan. 24 report cites wages and rising utility costs as “the main pressures” driving the increase from the 2016 budget. The budgeted change in wages and benefits from 2016 to 2017 is about $220,000, which includes staff movement on the town’s wage grid, job changes and reclassifications and moving the town landscape coordinator position to full time within the public works department.
Included in the $220,000 is about $46,000 for a 1.5% cost of living increase, while around $39,000 covers grid movements for 18 staff. About $25,500 can be attributed to allocations to the water and sewer departments.
However, Duff noted an earlier report did not factor in the recent retirement of public works director Brian Hansen and the town’s decision to not immediately re-fill the position.
“In addition to Brian’s departure, we have three maternity leaves which will occur later this year,” Duff told the Advertiser.
“Staff is working on plans to backfill these positions. This could include additional temporary and/or part time work as well as current employees adding to their roles.”
The budget includes just over $6 million in capital work, with $4.8 million in public works improvements split between water, sewer and roads. The projected roads spending hinges partly on the town obtaining a $750,000 grant through the new federal/provincial Clean Water and Waste Water Fund for a $1.7-million project on George Street and Maitland Street in Harriston.
Minto Fire has $330,000 of capital work budgeted, $500,000 will be spent on town facilities and $150,000 on capital projects related to economic development.
In addition to George and Maitland Streets in Harriston, projects include the start of work on Elora Street in Clifford, finishing Jane Street and Inkerman Street in Palmerston, and taking possession of the new tanker to replace the 28-year-old vehicle for Minto Fire.
A number of plant and pumping station improvements are slated in the area of water and sewer.
A block of Ann Street in Clifford will be serviced to open additional lots for sale.
The budget contains no increase to water or sewer rates. Treasurer Gordon Duff explained in an email that although the town’s rate by-law includes provisions for annual adjustments, rates were revised in mid-2016, “so any further adjustments were tabled for calendar (year) 2017.”
Mayor George Bridge thanked the provincial and federal governments “for stepping up infrastructure funding, which makes completing capital work much more affordable.
“So they are listening. I’ve got to give them credit for that.”
Finance chair councillor Mary Lou Colwell noted “the budget process was again strong this year with clear reports and information” to assist with the process.
“The big thing is the staff has always presented us with a very easy to read and reasonable budget. We’re not starting at a 10 per cent increase and having to knock it down to a reasonable rate,” she said.
“By the time we see it for the first time, we’re there to review it, to ask questions and there might be one or two things that change; but for the most part we get the completed budget and that is on account of the staff.”
A press release from the town notes the 2017 budget theme “keeping it real” recognized the need to “keep user increases to property tax payers reasonable while achieving infrastructure and operational improvements.” The release notes council budget meetings are broadcast on a local cable channel and accessible on YouTube through the town’s website.
“The Minto budget process allows all ratepayers to see all the reports and documents council reviews when considering the budget,” the release states.
