South Bruce Peninsula Council has passed its $12.3 million 2024 budget.
It will see a 4.99 per cent tax increase. Staff say that translates to an annual increase of $62.53 for an average MPAC assessed residential property of $213,000.
A statement from the Town says, “Early approval of a budget will permit staff to begin planning for 2024 by seeking out the
best available pricing for next year’s operating and infrastructure contracts.”
The budget is made up of a $5.8 million operating budget, a $ 4.1 million capital budget and $2.3 million for policing.
The Town says $165,000 in revenue from the 2023 Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) program is being used to support tourism related operations including funding the Grey Transit Route extension into Sauble Beach, Sauble Beach washroom maintenance, funding the visitor centre, Bluewater Park initiatives and supporting the cost of waste management collection for cottagers.
The remaining 50% of net MAT funding received in 2023 will be transferred to the MATA Corp. (Municipal Accommodation Tax Association Corp.) for tourism-related projects and initiatives.
Mayor Jay Kirkland says, “Supply chain issues, as well as the cost of materials and supplies has impacted our financial decisions, this budget maintains the municipality’s strong financial management record while meeting the needs of our residents.”
Some notable capital work includes:
New clay surface and LED lights for Bluewater Park Ball Diamond
Bridge work on Park Head Road
Roadwork on Second Ave (Sixth St N to Gremik Cres)
Mallory Beach Rd detailed design and tender preparation phase
Spry Lake Rd (Shoreline Ave to Old Red Bay Rd)
Plow Truck and Backhoe
Gould Street and Pengally reconstruction
An additional $90,000 to help fund future asset management needs.