Wellington North Council has come up with a 2017 budget that reflects a 3.5% levy increase over the 2016 budget levy.
That means an additional $236,277 in levy dollars.
The average resident with an assessment of $236,000 would see a 1.3% tax hike or about $16 toward the township portion of their taxes.
Once county and education taxes are added in, the median resident household would pay a total of $71 more on their property taxes.
Wellington North residents can take part in budget deliberations during an open house February 13 in the council chambers starting at 7pm
Mayor Andy Lennox says the township levy increase can primarily be attributed to an emphasis on capital infrastructure projects, with over $2-million earmarked toward the over $8-million capital budget.
Lennox says they are focusing on longer term strategic planning and investing in rehabilitating existing infrastructure.
Capital projects include the purchase of a 2017 Fire Pumper truck, a new plow, and full reconstruction of wastewater and water systems on parts of James St., Francis St. E and King St. W.
“Council and staff have worked hard on this budget. The process started back in September of 2016 and is a continuation of a process that has been implemented over the last 5 years,” says Councillor Sherry Burke, past chair of the Administration and Finance Committee, who has continued to play an active role in the budget process. “Council applauds staff with presenting a reasonable and attainable operating budget with a minimal year over year increase, less than inflation. That allows council to continue to make headway with the township’s infrastructure deficit.”
Subject to public input received at the open house, council hopes to finalize the 2017 budget at the February 27 council meeting.
