Council passed the second and third readings of the 2011 Mill Rate Bylaw at the regular meeting on April 5th, where Councillor Emile Saindon put forth a two-part motion.
The motion was to recommend a zero per cent increase to the mill rate for the Seniors’ Housing requisition, and to direct Administration to bring forward a budget appropriation report reassigning funds from the 2011 Operating Budget to cover the request of approximately $18,400 in increased funds for the requisition.
Councillor Saindon said the burden of this increase should not fall to the taxpayers, who were promised a zero per cent increase on their taxes this year.
Council voted 4-3 in favour of the motion during second reading, with Mayor Bruce Decoux and Councillors Larry Mitchell and Jerry Lonsbury opposed.
The third reading was passed 5-2, with Councillors Brian Gallant and Larry Mitchell opposed.
The Seniors Housing Authority requisition increased by 10 per cent this year to a total of $302,996, which will be used to upgrade facilities at York Creek Lodge, and for operational costs of the lodge and Tecumseh Manor.
Councillor Saindon said he was displeased that the exact figures relative to increases in taxation were not presented clearly during budget discussions in January.
