
3 minute read
Budget goes to public meeting with 7.6% increase
from February 10
He said while attending the ROMA conference he heard that people are facing a number of crises; housing shortages, inflation, medical supply issues, food insecurity, fuel costs and that a calming effect could be achieved by lowering taxes.
“I know that people are struggling with the rising costs of everything,” said Beelen. “I think we need to do everything we can to lower tax increases. So I’m looking at senior affordable housing and I don’t think this is a good year to do any contribution, let alone increase the contribution.”
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Councillors Robert Walker and John Broderick supported an amendment to contribute $150,000 to the fund, but no other support was to be found around the table.
Measures said it’s a worthy effort but there is no existing program, and that affordable housing and seniors housing projects are more likely to come to fruition in urban areas.
“I’ve never been in favour of this project in the first place,” said Measures. “I do appreciate the fact that in the future there may be opportunities and to have a fund available that we have is a good idea but I’m not sure why we continue to contribute, and contribute as high as we do to a fund that’s a program that doesn’t even exist.”
Beelen’s motion to defer the payment until 2024 was also supported by Councillors Phyllis Dineen, Robert
McArthur and Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren
Director of planning Amy Cann said there are options council can consider to route funds more specially for affordable housing, by possibly relieving or forgiving development charges, and setting aside municipal lands.
“I’m hoping some of the developers will realize that small rural Ontario does not have affordable housing and does need housing of a smaller scale,” said Walker.
A second resolution, tabled by Walker, adds approximately $100,000 for an electronic sign at the Stayner Arena and library.
A third resolution adds $140,000 for a new roof over the recreation pad in
New Lowell
A resolution, tabled by Beelen, to cut EcoPark improvements failed.
Council also supported the addition of a multi-use recreation pad for McKean Memorial Park in Nottawa, equipped for basketball and skating ($100,000) and portable washroom for the Nottawa ball park ($75,000). Staff reported that these projects had been previously approved by council but “fell through the cracks” and were unintentionally omitted from previous budgets.
The additions will partially impact the taxation but will partially draw from reserves, to be paid back from taxation over the next few years.
Finally, $7,500 was added for additional yellow line painting on township roads.
Simcoe County council approves budget with 3.5% increase
County of Simcoe council has approved a $695-million budget which officials say focuses on the resources necessary to maintain existing services and address significant growth.
The 2023 budget also includes strategic allocations that enable the county to continue to invest in services and assets such as infrastructure, paramedic services, affordable housing, long-term care, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, waste collections, transit, economic development, tourism and enhancements to our road network.
At the direction and approval of council, residents will see a two per cent increase for operating and a one and half percent increase for infrastructure and asset management on the county portion of their municipal property taxes. This represents an increase of about $9.77 per $100,000 property assessment across the region.
The overall budget expenditures increased due primarily to inflationary pressures, areas of growth, investment and initiatives directed by council to enhance service levels while increasing efficiencies. The county is also seeing a significantly increased demand on services, including a five per cent increase in paramedic call volume. The financial impact of the provincial blue box program and the introduction of Bill 23 – Building More Homes Faster Act are not fully known at this time.
Council also directed staff to report back with more information on select staff additions and capital purchase items; however, the staff report does not impact the approved 2023 county budget or tax levy rates.
The county maintains a strong financial position having received an AA+ long-term issuer credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, a provider of high-quality market intelligence in the form of credit ratings and research.
The 2023 budget ensures the county continues along this path of long-term fiscal stability and contains items that address areas of growth, as well as initiatives directed by council to enhance and maintain service levels for the region, support infrastructure, increase efficiencies, and prepare for the future.
Highlights:
• Total county operating and capital expenditures for 2023: $695 million (an increase of $6.7 million reflecting a 3.5 per cent increase, or $9.77 per $100,000 assessment.)
• LTC and Seniors Services: $92M
• Paramedic Services: $67M
• Children Services: $105M
• Social Housing: $91M
• Ontario Works: $70M
• Transportation and Engineering: $77M
• Solid Waste Management: $85M