WELLINGTON NORTH – The average residential taxpayer here will pay about $42 more in taxes next year, but only about $2.50 more for township purposes – if the current draft of the municipal budget is approved as currently projected.
Wellington North council hosted a public budget presentation on Dec. 14.
Although a few local residents joined the online session, no questions or comments were presented by members of the public.
The draft budget, presented by finance director Adam McNabb, includes a levy increase of $146,176, or 1.91 per cent for 2021.
Total spending is projected at $12,884,952 for 2021, a decrease of $648,449, or 4.8% from the $13,533,451 budgeted in 2020.
Estimated taxes on an average single family dwelling assessed at $253,763 would be $3,362, up $42.50 or 1.28% from 2020.
However, McNabb pointed out, the township portion of the same tax bill will rise by only $2.52, while the County of Wellington taxes, projected to rise by 2.41% would increase by $40.
McNabb said the education portion of the tax bill is projected to “remain flat” for 2021.
Of the total tax bill, the township would receive $1,252 (37%), while $1,698 (50%) will go to the county and $412 (12%) for education.
The draft budget includes about $15.1 million in capital spending for 2021, down from about $18.9 million in 2020.
Of the 2021 capital dollars, roads and drainage projects account for just under $5.5 million, while the combined cost of sewer and water projects will be around $5.8 million.
Parks and recreation capital projects total just over $1,4 million, including about $1 million for rehabilitation of ice-making piping for the arena in Arthur.
The draft budget contains a $258,000 provision for capital spending for the Wellington North Fire Service, including items such as upgrades to the department’s radio system, extrication and rescue equipment, bunker gear and fire hose replacement.
The administration capital budget contains a $10,000 provision for wifi in downtown Mount Forest.
Councillor Steve McCabe thanked staff for putting the budget together, noting, “It’s nice that we’re able to do so much in the coming new year with only 32.7 cents out of every dollar that’s collected and especially going through what we did this year (with the COVID-19 pandemic).”
Councillor Dan Yake agreed the budget process “wasn’t easy this year,” and echoed McCabe’s thanks to “everyone that was involved.”
Yake asked for further explanation of a $950,000 expenditure for rehabilitation of the standpipe in Mount Forest.
“What does that include? What are we doing there?” Yake inquired.
Director of operations Matt Aston explained the project involves interior and exterior painting of the standpipe.
“So it would be a full rehab,” said Aston.
Yake said the cost “seems like a lot, but I guess it is what it is.”
Mayor Andy Lennox pointed out “the current plan involves that standpipe being in use for many years to come.
“While it is a big dollar amount, it’s going to do us for many years,” the mayor stated.
Aston estimated the rehab work could be expected to last for about 30 years.
“I know it’s lot of work if they’re doing both the inside and the outside and it is looking kind of tough from the outside, so it certainly needs to be done,” Yake commented.
Noting the township portion of the projected tax increase is “very close to zero,” Lennox said staff and council tried to “recognize the hardship that our residents and businesses are undergoing.”
“Thanks everyone for all the effort that’s gone into this,” said Lennox.
“I think we’ve produced a result we can be proud of.”
McNabb said he anticipated the budget bylaw would be presented at the first council sitting in 2021, currently scheduled for Jan. 11.
The Mount Forest Standpipe (Photo by Patrick Raftis)
