LaSalle residents won't have to worry about their municipal taxes going up in the new year.
Following its budget consultation session, LaSalle Town Council approved its 2020 budget in principle, complete with a zero per cent municipal tax increase.
According to a release from the town, the planned budget will require a $2.3 million levy over the 2019 spending plan, bringing the general tax to $36.7 million. Increases in construction spending and phased-in reassessment on existing properties account for the additional levy funds.
Mayor Marc Bondy praised his council colleagues and the administration for a smooth budget process.
"We have a good council and a good leadership. We are 'Team LaSalle.' I know that the budgeting process does not come easy," said Bondy. "Council and administration are all on the same page when it comes to the budget."
The residential tax base in LaSalle accounts for 93 per cent of all tax revenue, according to the release. Continued growth has helped the town keep increases at below one per cent for four years in a row. 2020 will be the second straight year without a tax increase.
Despite municipal tax rates holding steady in the new year, the town said residents may still see an increase in their tax bill due to Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) reassessments.
"MPAC's assessed value of individual properties was done is 2016 and took effect in 2017, and that increase is phased in over a four year period. 2020 is the last year for this cycle of reassessment," read the release. "MPAC will be reassessing property values in 2020, and that will start a new four-year cycle in 2021."
Town councillors will officially sign off on the budget during a regular meeting in January.
