ELORA – Centre Wellington taxpayers will see a 2.16 per cent increase in the township portion of their property tax bill next year.
That translates to a $27 increase in the annual tax bill on a home assessed at $381,095.
The 2022 budget, passed by council on Dec. 20, anticipates many challenges next year, including inflation and a sharp increase in insurance costs as well as reduced funding through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), which is decreasing by 15% from this year.
There will be some new hires to serve the growing needs of a growing community and some major capital projects.
The operating budget totals $31,004,075 and the capital budget rings in at $20,537,720.
Major projects on the docket include:
- replacement of a 1st Line bridge (24 WG);
- full reconstruction of St. George Street East from Herrick Street to Gartshore Street in Fergus;
- full reconstruction of Moir Street from Geddes Street to Princess Street in Elora;
- paving of 8th Line East from Wellington Road 21 to Sideroad 10; and
- final design and construction commencement for the corporate operations facility.
The budget also includes $61,000 for council to allocate to arts, culture and heritage groups; $80,000 to train staff and council on diversity, equity and inclusivity, and Indigenous reconciliation; as well as $80,000 to go towards a termite management program.
“I’m not in favour of this budget,” said councillor Bob Foster. “We are borrowing for an operations centre we don’t need. And a 2.4% increase – I think we could have done better.”
Staff reiterated the 2022 budget has a 2.16% increase.
Staff proposed using debt to fund growth-related projects, such as wastewater expansion, locating and opening a new well, servicing for the new business park on Dickson Drive, and the new operations centre on Gartshore Street.
Council voted not to take an increase in their honorarium in 2022, acknowledging it amounts to a gesture. But staff wages will increase by 2.2% in 2022.
The October municipal election is expected to cost the township $122,000, which has also been accounted for in the budget.
To a question from councillor Kirk McElwain at the Nov. 30 budget meeting, staff said $38,404 was spent on Integrity Commissioner costs in 2021.
Councillor Stephen Kitras noted that the Fergus Grand Theatre doesn’t make money for the township and wanted council to contemplate finding a private operator to drive the project.
“I realize people are attached to it. There’s huge potential for the theatre,” Kitras said at the Nov. 30 meeting, adding he believes the theatre could be a “mecca” for Fergus and help drive the economy.
Other councillors noted studies have been done before and staff mentioned the township took over the theatre from a private operator in 2003 because it was failing. Kitras’ motion was defeated.
Council has been deliberating aspects of the budget since June and had levelled their comments and objections along the way.
But on Dec. 20 the budget passed in a 4-3 vote, with Mayor Kelly Linton and councillors Steven VanLeeuwen, Neil Dunsmore and Ian MacRae voting in favour. Foster, Kitras and McElwain were opposed.
MacRae also introduced a motion at the Dec. 20 meeting to lay the groundwork for a sustainable transportation advisory committee, that would form during the next term of council.
MacRae noted it was recommended in the Transportation Master Plan and there have been at least two decisions council made in 2021 that would have benefitted from an advisory committee, he said.
Council unanimously approved his motion.
