Georgian Bluffs council had their first look at the 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets Monday.
As budgets go, the 2020 Georgian Bluffs budget is pretty straight forward, the council received a four-hour presentation detailing the entire budget.
The biggest project of the year is the Inglis Falls Road reconstruction set to begin in thw next few weeeks.
Right now the Municipal Tax Levy Increase will actually lower, putting $30 back into the pocket of the ratepayer with a home appraised at around $306,000.
This is a 1.72% decrease to the Municipal Tax Levy
County rates have yet to be released and education rates have already been said to see a decrease as well, both will have an impact on the final tax levy increase
Although not keen on a 0% increase, Georgian Bluffs Mayor Dwight Burley says council is thrilled by the current budget.
“We are extremely happy, there was a tremendous amount of work put in by staff,” Burley says. “I think the council is also very pleased.”
Burley notes that municipal reserves are in a strong position to accommodate a 0% increase for 2020.
Currently, staff will be looking to raise the amounts budgeted in road department vehicle repairs, costs of gravel and an overall increase in staff training.
The one possible cut right now could be a sweeper attachment for a loader budgeted at $30,000.
Burley says that the Trails Master Plan will allow for more answers for projects in 2020.
“On the Kemble Arena, I would like to see it changed to a community centre, we have money put aside for it and I really think we can make it work this year,” Burley states.
The plan is set to be before council next week.
No further public engagements are planned at this time but anyone with questions or feedback is highly encouraged by Georgian Bluffs to reach out to them through the budget tab on their website.