Meaford Council is still seeking input on the proposed 2010 budget.
They held a public meeting last night where they presented the document and also announced plans to eliminate the 2.8 million dollar deficit this year.
About 20 people were in attendance at Meaford Hall, including local Real Estate Agent Rod MacAlpine who had a word of caution for council about raising taxes.
The municipal tax hike in Meaford for 2010 is currently sitting at 14.4 per cent — although once you factor in the county and education portions it works out to 4.67 per cent.
MacAlpine says high taxes will drive homebuyers to other communities.
He points out that municipal taxes for the average home in Meaford were about 3 thousand dollars in 2009, while in the Blue Mountains they were 2 thousand dollars.
MacAlpine says potential homebuyers exploring new communities always ask two things: what is the cost of utilities and how much are municipal taxes.
However, MacAlpine adds that he thinks this council is doing a good job to bring Meaford out of a financial mess.
He believes achievements like eliminating the deficit and hiring a CAO and treasurer all bode well for the municipality.
Another resident at the meeting asked council to consider addressing the divide between urban Meaford, Sydenham, and St. Vincent because it`s been 10 years since amalgamation but they all have different tax rates..
The proposed blended 2010 tax hike for urban Meaford is 4.05 per cent, while it`s 4.99 per cent in Sydenham and 4.98 per cent in St. Vincent.
Residents will be given another chance to comment on the proposed 2010 budget at a public meeting at Woodford Hall tonight at 7 PM.
Council will meet Wednesday at 5 PM to discuss the concerns and questions raised by the public and a final vote is planned for April 12th.