Addington Highlands Passes 5.3% Budget Increase

Craig Bakay | May 10, 2023

Budget 2023

Council passed its 2023 Consolidated Budget, which includes estimated operating expenditures of $7.2 million, estimated pre-levy revenues of $1.4 million, contribution from deferred revenue of $107,000, $175,000 from the general surplus and an Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund grant of $2 million.

The capital budget totals $1.3 million, all being financed through reserve funds and governmental funding. The net amount to levy is $4,457,740.15 which is an increase of 5.3 per cent over last year.

Thanks mostly to new construction coming on stream, the tax rate is only up 4.4 per cent over last year, shielding existing AH ratepayers from some of the impact of the largest tax increase in recent memory.

A visit from the auditor

“Overall (Addington Highlands is in) a very strong cash position,” auditor Katie Mahon of KPMG told Council in reporting the 2022 audit results at the regular meeting May 3 in Flinton.

In her report, Mahon said the Township is in a “strong cash and investment position; a taxes receivable decrease is mainly due to an increased focus on collection after the pandemic, increased number of properties on payment plans and an increase in tax sales; other receivable increase mainly due to about $900,000 or receivables related to windstorm cleanup, all in terms of financial assets.”

In terms of financial liabilities, she said a deferred revenues decrease as PY grant funding was spent in CY — mainly on accessibility; obligatory reserve was decreased as a result of more funds used for gas tax than received and an increase in landfill closure and post closure costs as a result of increased rate of inflation used in estimate calculations. (4 per cent vs. 1.5 per cent in PY).”

She said the liabilities were largely a matter of timing.

In terms of non-financial assets, there was an increase in tangible capital assets driven by additions of $1.4 million offset by amortization of $900,000.

Key additions were a tandem truck and excavator, roof repairs, HVAC replacement and renovations at the Addington Highlands Community Centre.

“Overall, there is a net financial asset position of $2.3 million, a positive number which is great to see,” Mahon said. “There are more assets than liabilities so it’s a good indicator of financial health for the Township.”

She said that the Ministry (of Municipal Affairs) does set a standard of having at least 20 of operating expenses in reserves but even with the added expenses of the windstorm cleanup, the Township is still well above that limit.

She said property taxation, user charges and deferred revenue earned remained relatively stable and overall an increase in expenses is consistent with an increase in revenue. A key driver of an increase in transportation services expenses is related to increased materials and expenses as a result of the windstorm.

Mud grading, unadvisable

Manager of Roads and Waste Brett Reavie told Council that culvert repair on Ashby Lake Road is scheduled for this week following a “pretty significant washout when a beaver dam let go.”

Meanwhile, Reavie said grading will continue but they really need some dry weather.

“It’s hard to grade mud,” he said.

In-house mechanic?

Manager of Roads and Waste Brett Reavie floated the idea of hiring a mechanic to service the Township’s fleet of vehicles.

“We’re looking at an in-house mechanic,” he said. “We’re having to do a lot of travelling for repairs and it could save us money.”

“We probably don’t need a mechanic five days a week,” said Coun. Kirby Thompson. “Could it be a hybrid position?”

“It could help out the fire department as well,” said Reavie. “But we’ll have to look at all the options.”

Half loads off

Half-load restrictions come off Addington Highlands roads May 8.

Camping at Skootamata

Coun. Ken Hook showed Council photos one of his constituents took of the garbage left at boat launches on Skootamata Lake.

“People are camping there,” Hook said. “But there are no signs saying camping is illegal.”

“We’ve had working groups several times that have suggested signs,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

“It’s time the MNRF stepped up to the plate and put up some signs,” said Coun. Helen Yanch. “Perhaps we should contact our MPP.”

Coun. Kirby Thompson moved the sending of a letter to the MPP’s office with Hook’s pictures attached.

Hartsmere Road repair

Council instructed staff to apply for a work permit on Crown Lands to allow work to be done on an access route from the end of Hartsmere Road.