Picton, ON – Council approved today the 2021 tax-supported operating budget of $59.8 million and the capital budget of $9.7 million.
The municipal operating budget incorporates a 3.17 per cent tax increase or 1.47 per cent after assessment growth. The 2021 budget will result in an estimated increase of $18 per $100,000 of assessment.
On a home assessed at $300,000, a home owner will pay an estimated $2,745 per year or $228.76 per month.
“With the municipality as well as our residents and businesses continuing to face financial pressures due to COVID-19, the County’s 2021 budget focuses on delivering core services and value for ratepayers,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “In addition, the budget includes measures that augment the pandemic support programs offered by federal and provincial governments.”
The municipality will raise $41.5 million in property taxes to fund the portion of the operating budget not covered by other revenues sources such as grants and fees. The 2021 net operating budget is $1.28 million more than 2020 (3.17 per cent increase).
Council also passed the rate-supported operating budget for water and wastewater services of $8.8 million and the rate-supported capital budget of $6.5 million. Water and wastewater rates will continue to follow the rate schedule set by Council in 2017.
COVID-19-related measures
The County will continue to suspend penalties and interest on unpaid property taxes and water and wastewater bills until April 30, 2021. Council also directed staff to draft a report exploring the development of a program to assist community members economically impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns and public health measures. The program would look at helping residents navigate tax and benefit programs provided by other levels of government.
The municipality will also continue to offer access to large municipal buildings at no cost to not-for-profit organizations and public health groups to host events or activities within public health guidelines.
Additional budget highlights
Council approved the following spending after four days of budget deliberations:
- $3.1 million for the rehabilitation of Picton Main Street from Bridge Street to Spencer Street. The municipality will cover the cost of the rehabilitation project using Federal Gas Tax funding.
- $2.4 million for rural road surface maintenance program
- $372,000 for the redevelopment of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital
- $278,000 for the first phase of the Crystal Palace revitalization
- $365,000 for affordable housing
- $239,947 in total for the three streams of the Municipal Community Grants Program administered by The County Foundation ($189,716 for grants over $5,000; $38,453 for in-kind grants; and, $11,778 for grants under $5,000
- $150,000 for land ambulance replacement
The final budget documents will be posted on the County website next week. Slides from the budget presentations earlier this week can be viewed online:
2021 Tax-supported Operating
2021 Tax-supported Capital
2021 Rate-supported Capital
2021 Rate-supported Operating
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For media inquiries, please contact Mark Kerr, Media and Communications Coordinator, at 613.476.2148 ext. 1009 or by email at mkerr@pecounty.on.ca