Municipal portion of budget down to 9.29%
Mayor commends Town staff for eliminating $244,000 in budget
by Michelle Minnoch

After the February 14th budget meeting, council directed staff to come back with a reduced municipal tax potion, which would see an impact non more grater than a 10.5% increase; staff did one better and got the municipal potion down to just under 9.3%, 9.29% to be exact.

"We reduced the budget by $244,000," said Treasurer Ian Goodfellow.

He said staff identified a few areas where money could be made and where items could be cut.

Goodfellow mentioned an increase in ice rates, and stated new information from Road Services regarding tenders saw a savings of $68,080.

Other highlights include the invoicing by road services to various developers for Winter Control Activities; a budget reduction regarding the Wage Contingency, implementation will now be later in the year; a reduction for the Benefit Contingency, reduced to reflect the expected levels of expenses; a full time Parks and Rec position has been reduced to a Casual Employee; the Corporate Training budget was reduced to mirror past spending levels.

Mayor Brian Jackson commended staff for their hard work in finding the reductions.

"Staff took the challenge and exceeded it," he said.

Mayor Jackson said he believes percentages frighten people, and people in the municipality have to realize the level of service they are getting for their money.

"People need to be aware we do not control the County, Police or Education portion of their taxes," he said. "People have to see they are getting a good value for $74."

He also mentioned staff are already looking into the 2008 budget.

Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope echoed the Mayor's comments, stating staff started with an 18% increase and got it down to just under 9.3%.

Councilor Bill Pring commended staff, adding the Town is putting what is needed into reserves, unlike the City of Barrie.

Councilor Rod Boynton also stated the "Town is building our reserves, not depleting them."

If this budget receives approval, the average residential property owner will pay $74.60 (9.29%) more than last year.

Blending the Town, County, Police and Education portions, the average resident should expect to pay $135.41 per year (under $11.30 per month) for their municipal taxes.