Residents in Prince Edward County can expect to see an increase on their tax bills this year.
On the fourth day of budget discussions at Shire Hall, council was able to set a budget they were not only happy with, but set a budget they felt they can explain and justify to residents.
Council approved an overall tax increase of 6.3%, according to CAO James Hepburn.
He says once growth is taken into account, that works out to an increase of just over 5% for residents of the municipality.
That rate also doesn’t include the education tax, which is expected to continue on a downward trend, but won’t be known for another couple of months.
On average that will work out to $44.40 per $100,000 assessment in 2018, says Hepburn.
The operating budget for 2019 is $54.4 million and the capital budget is $13.9 million. The operating budget in 2018 was $52.6 million with a capital budget of $15.7 million.
That increase includes 1% specifically for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation capital campaign, as well as 2.5% specifically for the roads construction reserve.
Council has committed themselves to contribute $4.5 million to the hospital capital campaign and going into budget discussions Hepburn had split that amount over 15 years (0.8% or $312,000 annually). Councillors decided to make it an even one per cent (approximately $350,000).
Hepburn also says the 2.5% for the roads construction reserve sets a really good foundation for them to move forward for their roads and bridge construction projects.
Council also followed through with their $250,000 contribution for affordable housing and $20,000 specifically to begin addressing food insecurity.
Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson at the Regent Theatre on December 4, 2018. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Mayor Steve Ferguson says there has been a shifting of priorities, as there is every year when the budget gets set.
Councillor Andreas Bolik says the things they have done may seem like small steps, but he feels they will make a big difference.
Hepburn says he’s very happy with how the budget process went this year saying council was very engaged and asked a great number of questions throughout the process.
Other items approved in this year’s budget are an additional by-law officer and an additional Fire Prevention Officer.
This budget sees $8.6 million in roads and bridge projects as well as additional funding for the Talbot Street reconstruction and the construction of part of a new road connecting Hwy. 33 and Talbot Street.
In Wellington, $3.4 million was set aside for the construction of a new water tower to meet growing demand.
The Farming Assistance Grant Program will continue with $40,000 set aside for that in the 2019 budget.
The water operating budget is $4 million and the wastewater operating budget is set at $4.1 million. The capital budget for water and wastewater is set at $7.8 million.
The budget will come forward at a future council meeting for final approval.
