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Feature Article May 5

Feature Article May 5, 2004

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CF Budget Debate Concluded

Central Frontenac Councilors finalized the 2004 budget at a meeting on Monday evening - they succeeded in trimming over $500,000 from the original budget proposal. Township spending will increase by about $1 Million to approximately $6 Million. There are some increases in transfer payments from other levels of government, however a tax revenue increase of about $650,000 (19.5%) is required. The Township tax rate will increase by about 0.1%. When we factor in last November's MPACincreases in assessed property values, this results in a 14.5% increase in Township taxes for the average taxpayer. The budget will be brought before the May 10 meeting of Council for approval.

The Total tax rate, which also includes the County and education levies, will fall by about 4%. However, the Total tax paid by the average taxpayer will increase by about 9.8%.

Averages may be useful when we are looking to see how well our council has performed, but how do these figures affect us as individuals? As was pointed out in these pages out last week, if your property value rose by more than the average (14.3%), and many have, you will see a larger increase. If your property value hardly changed, you could see a small decrease.

Logan Murray felt that more could have been done to hold taxes at a lower level. He presented several proposals to reduce spending on road works, while achieving the same results. Roads account for over 50% of Township spending. Council recognized the merit in these proposals but generally felt that it was unlikely sufficient savings could be realized this year to justify reducing budgeted expenditures (see Lonely Logan). Janet Gutowski suggested that Council work with the Works Manager in the months ahead to explore such opportunities for cost saving. Bill Guigue proposed that Council hold a special meeting on roads.

A number of Councilors felt that the budget process should be more comprehensive and start earlier.

Mayor Bill MacDonald summed up the feeling of most Councilors, Council has struck a reasonable and responsible budget. We are doing what we can with what we have. There will be little opportunity to do more without help from our provincial and federal governments,

With the participation of the Government of Canada