Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Bamboozled,’ Sept. 10.
In reading Mr. Robertson’s recent letter to the editor, I felt compelled to reach out to him and reiterate that the Town of Erin and your council are working to ensure that you as a taxpayer continue to receive service excellence for the taxes you pay.
It is well known that the town is on the cusp of much needed growth. With that, the town will see growth in residential, but also industrial and commercial growth. Industrial and commercial growth provide the town with over double the amount of taxes over residential, with a ratio of 2.4:1.
In order for the town to see this necessary growth and for you as a taxpayer to receive more benefits for your tax dollar, we need to move forward with the wastewater project. Through my time in office, I have seen over 20 manufacturers inquire about locating their business in Erin and deciding on locating to a surrounding municipality due to the lack of wastewater services. By having these businesses open elsewhere, the town has lost out on over $690,000 in combined taxes annually, plus the opportunity of creating roughly 1,500 new local jobs.
As you are aware, I have stated that rural residents will benefit from having a local sewage plant, yet will not be contributing financially towards the wastewater treatment plant. To that point, Environmental Assessments are paid through the town as a whole. For your benefit, this process commenced prior to my first term and was initiated at the request of the Credit Valley Conservation authority and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as our aging septic systems are polluting the grounds and could potentially affect drinking water sources. Development is paying for all costs related to development, and will also be contributing an additional share to assist the town with funding.
Businesses and residents who will eventually be connected to the system will be financially contributing to connect to the system. Development is required to fully pay for development, as mandated in the Municipal Act. The reports and studies associated with the wastewater treatment plant are paid through development charges and the water lifecycle funds, which have been built up through user fees.
Please understand that there are no hidden costs here. Development will pay for development and properties that will be serviced will pay their portions.
I welcome you to come meet with me to further discuss the town’s wastewater project and address any additional concerns you may have.
Allan Alls,
Mayor, Town of Erin