Mill Rate Bylaw options discussed
at council meeting
LINDSAY GOSS
Pass Herald Reporter
At a regular Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 15th, Mayor Bruce Decoux, councillors and administration discussed the amended 2013 Operating Budget Options.
Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson brought forward three options for Council’ review. Thompson reiterated that in instances such as these where an assessment base decline due to negative growth is present, the burden of tax carried by the property owner will also decline if the mill rate is consistent.
A three per cent mill rate increase would generate a similar tax levy to 2012.
The first option is for administration to provide budgetary reductions to achieve an additional four per cent reduction, or a $295,000 decrease in the following areas:
$5,000 reduction to seniors tax rebate, $100,000 reduction to York Creek Capital Project revenue, $15,000 reduction to Rum Runner Days, $10,000 reduction to cemetery expansion, $52,000 reduction in floats and banners, $57,500 reduction for Albert Stella Memorial Arena, $1,000 to the Centennial Building (Pete’s Park) exterior painting, $8,000 reduction for gravel and gravel haul, $25,000 reduction for sewer work, $38,250 addition for the Town Rounder and $14,750 reduction in travel and general supplies.
Option two provides for a tax increase for negative growth of $102,000, (residential 3.8 per cent and non-residential 4.9 per cent,) combined with a budget decrease of $193,000. The $193,000 proposed decrease could come from the following areas:
$5,000 reduction to seniors tax rebate, $100,000 reduction to York Creek capitol project reserve, $10,000 reduction to Cemetery Expansion, $52,000 in floats and banners, $1,000 for the centennial building exterior paint job, $23,500 reduction for gravel and gravel haul, $25,000 reduction in sewer work, $38,250 administration for the town rounder and $14,750 reduction in travel and general supplies.
The third option provides for a $193,000 budget reduction in the areas noted in option two and a transfer from MRSR in the amount of $102,000.
“I do not support an increase of over 2.5 per cent, said Councillor Emile Saindon. “2.5 is as high as the increase should go.”
Counsillors agreed that option two would be the most suitable, if alternations were done to it. Councillor Lonsbury made the motion for an amendment of option two for the budget. Councillor Brian Gallant, Andrew Saje and Emile Saindon were opposed. The motion was carried. Further discussion on the budget took place on Monday, April 22nd at the Municipal Offices.
