Central Frontenac Council - May 16/13

Jeff Green | May 15, 2013

Local taxes up by to 5.7%

Local taxes up would be up 9% as Central Frontenac Council passes budget, however a cut in county tax reduces increase to 5.7%

Collectively, Central Frontenac ratepayers will pay $6.15 million for local services in 2013, up from $5.6 million in 2012, an increase of over 9%.

When Frontenac County taxes ($1.39 million – down $20,000 from 2012) and education taxes ($1.59 million – the same as 2012) are factored in, the increase in overall taxes is reduced to 5.7%.

At their final kick at the budget can on Tuesday afternoon, Council added $90,000 to the budget to cover for some expenses not covered in earlier versions of the budget. Included were unexpected road work at the causeway in Sharbot Lake and at York Road in Hinchinbrooke District ($56,000), and a used cab and chassis that was required by the roads department ($41,000) in addition to some other expenses and savings that have been identified by the finance department.

Treasurer Michael McGovern recommended adding another $90,000 to the budget to go to a Capital Infrastructure reserve, but Council stuck to the lower budget number.

The total to be collected will result in an increase in the tax rate of only 1.5%, but when property assessment increases are factored in, the total to be raised is up over $500,000 (9%)

Construction values up over 2012, still lag 2011

As of the end of April, permits for $1.75 million in construction had been issued by the Central Frontenac building department, up from $986,000 at the same time in 2012. The total at the end of April 2011, was $2.17 million.

Septic system for new school has been designed, awaiting approval

In answer to a question from Councilor John Purdon about progress towards the completion of the new comprehensive school in Sharbot Lake, Chief Building Officer Jeremy Neven said the plan is to have the school open in September. In answer to a second question about the septic system for the school, Neven said that the engineering firm Greer Galloway was designing the system; that the Ministry of the Environment is working with the Limestone Board, and it is expected that an acceptable solution will be found.

“There is a backup plan for a holding tank to be used if the septic system is not completed and approved in time for the school opening, although that is not anticipated,” said Neven.

Safe Properties Bylaw – Draft amendments to the township's Safe Properties Bylaw were accepted by Council and the document will be posted on the township’s website for public comment.

Councilor Guntensperger, who objected to some language in the new bylaw, particularly a section that empowers the bylaw office to insist that grass be cut in certain circumstances, voted against the bylaw.

“Our Official Plan calls for ribbons of life and maintaining the natural character of the land,” said Guntenperger, “And I don’t see how we can allow one of our bylaws to contravene the Official Plan.”

Support of Habitat for Humanity – Council approved a request for a $2,000 donation to the Habitat for Humanity building project on Road 38 at Tichborne. About $1,500 of the donation will come in grants back to cover planning and building fees that the township is charging and another $500 is being added to give the township status as a corporate donor.

An official groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled for today, Thursday May 16, has been put off until later this spring because of a change in staffing at the Kingston office of Habitat for Humanity.