Erech Morrison | May 25, 2016


The interpretation by the Frontenac News of new MPAC data that “Property assessment growth slows” (Property Asesment Growth Slows, May 19, 2016) and that “Central Frontenac waterfront assessments are flat”, seems intended to calm the frazzled nerves of rate payers. It does not take much digging to come up with the facts which do not support that interpretation.

MPAC reports that the average value of a waterfront residence is now $239,500 – this hardly compares with the reality. We have an average bungalow on one acre of waterfront in CF which MPAC values at $408,000. Our MPAC property assessments over the period 2012 to 2016 climbed 9.7%, and is forecast to climb a further 8.8% from 2016 through to 2020. This is not ‘flat’ by any interpretation!

Also let us not forget the two-pronged approach which Townships have to increasing property taxes: MPAC raising assessments and CF Township raising the mil rate. Our CF mil rate for 2015 was ..00782976 and for 2016 is .00815694, a 4.4% increase over one year. Our total property tax increase for that same one year, is a whopping 9.2% ($4,372.86 in 2015, $4,775.85 in 2016)! Who cares about the MPAC assessment when the township can get whatever it wants by increasing the mil rate. Compare that to Canada’s average inflation rate in 2015 (1.13%) and thus far in 2016 (1.54%). My pension increase does not even come close to that.

Something has to give way! With uncontrolled spending and property mismanagement in CF (population 5,000), management indecision in establishing subdivisions and large projects in South Frontenac (population 18,000), and poor leadership on seniors living in North Frontenac (population 7,000 incl. seasonal), it is time for all of us to consider the potential benefits of amalgamating all three townships. Hopefully we could get rid of duplication, minimize bad decisions, and consolidate and improve management.

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