|
After much deliberation, debate and discussion, Saugeen Shores
has a new budget.
In her report, Treasurer, Lori Sweiger, explained that
"...preliminary operating and capital budget submissions presented
to Council in February required a tax levy increase of $727,413 or
approximately a 10 per cent increase to finance as it was
presented."
Following the preliminary submission, Department Heads were asked to
review their operating and capital budgets in an effort to reduce
expenses or increase revenues to meet the target of no more than 3
per cent to finance the 2009 operating and capital costs that were
coming down the pipe.
As part of the staff review, comments and suggestions by Council
were taken into consideration which resulted in many revisions to
both capital and operating budgets. Among the changes were decreases
in financial support to things like the Lake Huron Shoreline Tourist
Committee from $6,000 to $3,000; Airport committee from $19,500 to
$15,500 and to the Rail Trail from $18,000 to $13,500. In fact, a
number of capital projects have been either eliminated, reduced or
delayed, although some will proceed.
With the changes, the operating budget maintains existing service
levels and does not impact on staff levels. "There are going to have
to be some changes," said Vice Deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock. "A lot
of infrastructure has been underfunded since downloading to the
municipalities ten years ago. Despite increased costs, we (Saugeen
Shores) have managed to keep levels of service the same."
Councillor Fred Shildroth said that a secondary list for
instrastructure, such as bridges and roads, should be put together
along with the deficits that will incur. "We've done our best to
control this budget," he said, "but there are millions of dollars in
infrastructure that are eventually going to be needed."
According to Sweiger, water and sewer rates are separate from the
tax increase but, in this budget they are coincidentally the same at
3 per cent. While the water consumption rate is being decreased from
73 cents to 65 cents per cubic meter for all metered water, the
sewer contribution is not enough to finance capital needs in 2009.
Given the Concession 10 Pump Station and the Wastewater Treatment
Plant Inlet Works Building, it is anticipated that an additional
annual $442,000 will be needed to service the debt costs, beginning
in 2010. (next column)
23/03/2009 09:33 PM
Get rid of the winter Blahs
|
The fixed sewer charge will increase the monthly rate
from $8.50 to $15.00 by 2010. The increase however, will be phased in.
Effective June 1st the rate will go up to $11.75 and then on February
1st, 2010, it will go to $15.00, subject to review.
There will be no adjustment to development charges in 2009.
At the end of 2008, there was a surplus (subject to audit) of almost
$700,000. It's been recommended that $200,000 go toward operating costs
in order to keep the tax increase to the 3 per cent and that the balance
of approximately $500,000 be transferred to future capital projects
reserve.
Sweiger pointed out that this is a reassessment year for properties and,
therefore, even though the tax rate increase has been kept at three per
cent (3%), the impact will vary according to individual assessment
changes which are being phased in starting in 2009.
Councillor Luke Charbonneau feels that overall it is a good budget
although people have to realize that, "This three per cent (3%) increase
really represents the costs of just maintaining service levels and we
haven't grown our capital levels at all. It's important to remember what
we are investing in and, in economic times like these, it's important to
continue to invst in capital but, more importantly, to invest in our
'human' capital.
Thead Seaman, Councillor from Southampton, had words of caution however.
"I would caution staff that our instrastructure is badly in need of
repairs and, to me, three per cent (3%) isn't good enough. We need at
least another $4/5million and, in the end, we are all going to have to
pay."
Mayor Mike Smith had the final say before the vote was taken.
"Invariably, there are huge lists from ratepayers and projects from
staff and every year it is about compromise. We are very fortunate that
we have one of the best staffs in the entire province. Both the
Provincial and Federal governments are big partners in this budget and
they will continue to be. All I can say is ... I am happy to be through
the process."
Recommendation for Approval:
Expenditures: Operating & Reserves $18,561,335
Capital $17,835,600
Total 2009 Budget $36,396,935
Revenues: Operating & Reserves $12,128,795
Capital $16,336,003
Total 2009 Budget $28,464,798
Total Taxation:
Operating & Reserves $ 6,432,540
Capital $ 1,499,597
Total 2009 Budget $ 7,932,137
Tax Levy has been set at $7,932,137
Levy includes a growth of (2.73%) $205,001
Levy Increase (3%) $231,033 for a total increase of $436,034
The budget was passed
|
for
world news,
books, sports, movies ...
