Huron-Kinloss council

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Huron-Kinloss council has given final approval to its 2011 budget.

The $8.3-million budget contains $5.16-million for operating expenses, and $3.13-million in capital projects.

Treasurer Jodi MacArthur says that after revenues and transfers from reserves are applied, the township must levy $4.7-million. To do this, the residential tax rate was increased by 2.33 per cent.

The total residential tax rate, which includes municipal, Bruce County levy and education tax, actually comes in at a 1.97-per-cent decrease from the 2010 rate, says MacArthur.

However, 2011 is the third year of a four-year phase-in to reach 2008 current market value assessment. According to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), the average value of a residential single-family home in 2010 was $218,362. Based on the data from MPAC, the value of that home has increased to $232,555 for 2011.

The average residential single-family home paid $1,029.76 for the municipal share of property tax in 2010. Applying the 2011 tax rate, that amount would increase by $92.49 to $1,122.25.

Combined with the county and education tax rates, the average property owner can expect an increase of 4.4-per-cent or about $109 overall.

The annual water service rate also increased to $280 per year, from $250 per year, and the annual service rate for Lucknow sewers will increase to $290 from $190, says MacArthur.

Some of the capital project included in this year's budget are:

• Reconstruction of Havelock Street in Lucknow (includes new storm drainage, watermain and sidewalks and complete road reconstruction between Wheeler Street and Gough Street), $960,000

• Township roadwork, including Lake Range Drive between Concessions 2 and 4, and bridge maintenance; Huron-Kincardine Boundary East (two kilometres); Clyde Street in Lucknow (top coat); Cherrywood Court in Point Clark (dig out and replace base), $550,000

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Saturday, April 30, 2011