Tillsonburg passes 2017 budget
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After several months of consultation Tillsonburg Town Council has come to a consensus on the 2017 Budget and Business Plans.
“We strived to have an open and transparent process,” said Mayor Stephen Molnar in a media release, noting that three major themes helped guide the budget process: service excellence to the public, improved organizational processes and capital investment in infrastructure.
“We also wanted to ensure that the budget represented the values and directions that were developed in the Community Strategic Plan.”
The Town of Tillsonburg will increase the municipal tax levy by 2.73 per cent in 2017.
In addition, residents who have seen an increase in the assessed value of their properties (as determined by MPAC) will see an additional tax increase.
“Budget deliberations are always challenging,” said Molnar. “But we’ve tried to achieve a balance between planning for the future and addressing immediate needs.”
The 2017 budget increased $520,600 from 2016 figures. The total budget in 2017 will be $13,989,100 compared with $13,468,500 in 2016.
Infrastructure will be a priority throughout 2017, with Council investing $152,600 into the Asset Management Plan.
“Municipal governments across Canada are facing an infrastructure deficit and Tillsonburg is no exception,” said Molnar. “This funding is an important part of meeting our obligations as a municipality.”
The Town will see over $7 million in capital work done this year, in part due to grants from other levels of government. Almost $4 million will be spent on roads and storm sewers with work on Riverview, Newell Road, Broadway (North to town limit) and Potters Road.
As well, a new intersection on Highway 3 will allow access to the town’s next industrial park. The Community Centre will receive upgrades in 2017 including a new deck on the indoor pool and roof repairs.
In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary, Memorial Park will also receive a major facelift. Plans call for the creation of a new Celebration Plaza. Other highlights include trails, ball diamond improvements, parking and removal of the racetrack.