Budget Information

The 2009 tax budget will include the impacts of a province wide reassessment. This reassessment updates values from a base date of January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2008. This has been a period of strong growth in the real estate market and property values have increased. As a result the provincial government has mandated a four year phase-in for all assessment increases, thereby mitigating the impact of the increases.

The last few winters have been particularly challenging. Typical winter seasons may include more plowing and less sanding or vice versa, however recent winters have included all factors as a result of significant snow accumulation.  Given a relatively moderate first quarter of 2009, it is expected that the taxation levy for winter control may have finally reached its optimum level. As well, should savings occur they will be put aside in reserve in anticipation of the return of a harsh winter.

OPP policing costs are expected to increase substantially across the County and Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield as new five year contracts are negotiated. The increase will be two fold and include actual direct operating costs related to policing as well as a proposed increase in the police staffing complement in the local detachment. Facing an annual increase of $335,000 in OPP policing costs, the Township has developed a phase-in plan that will increase the area rate by the end of the five year contact to reflect the true costs of policing.