Clarington residents will see a 2.2 per cent increase on the local portion of their tax bills, according to a municipal media release.
It said the council passed the 2020 budget focused on infrastructure and adopting some changes that will assist Clarington in lowering its greenhouse gas emissions.
A one per cent increase to the tax levy adds $598,200 to the municipal operating budget. Based on the 2.2 per cent levy increase, taxpayers will be paying around $32.21 more a year on the average residential home assessed at $390,700. This translates to $2.68 more per month.
Clarington’s projected tax levy is approximately $62.6 million. In the 2020 budget, council is proposing to invest $16.2 million in infrastructure work on bridges, road repair, sidewalk maintenance, stormwater management and improved pedestrian road crossings.
Council is also prioritizing the environment by incorporating key changes to the budget to adapt to climate change. It has dedicated $14,500 in tax levy funding in 2020 to purchase electric vehicles and has approved a new policy, which will essentially see the entire Clarington fleet converted to EV vehicles where possible and available.
Council has also committed $35,000 to install new electric vehicle charging stations located at the parking lot on the southwest corner of Church and Division Streets. The other 50 per cent of the cost of the new charging stations will be paid for by a federal government grant.
The council has also allocated an additional $25,000 for tree planting to expand Clarington’s tree canopy and absorb greenhouse gas emissions. Council is also looking at incorporating environmentally conscious building methods. They have directed staff to look into additional design components for the proposed South Bowmanville Recreation Centre that would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from that facility. While that project is contingent on a large federal and provincial grant, Clarington will be taking out $4.2 million in debt financing to assist with the cost should the project move forward.
“Council set a conservative budget this year. We are looking to focus on key priorities while maintaining our current service levels. Staff have worked really hard to bring a budget that meets council’s mandate of a two per cent increase. In doing so, we’ve had to make some tough choices and set clear goals,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
Council has prioritized several new projects and initiatives that will be paid for directly with money that comes from the tax levy. Here’s a list of just a few of these new projects:
- Newcastle Community Park phase one, $300,000 allocated for added amenities through the tax levy. The total Municipal investment equals $1.5 million for the detailed design and park construction. This project is related to growth, and the majority will be paid through development charges. *Development charges are fees collected from developers and builders at the time a building permit is issued to help pay for infrastructure costs required to provide municipal services to the new development. Those services include roads, fire services, community centres, parks and more.*
- Bond Head Parkette and bluffs shoreline erosion and mitigation work, to include long-term strategies for beach nourishment and erosion prevention, $61,100.
- Cedar Crest Shoreline erosion study, $30,000.
Council is also investing in some infrastructure improvements to ensure that Clarington manages its infrastructure gap or deficit. An infrastructure deficit occurs when the amount of work required to keep municipal facilities and assets in good condition exceeds the money available to pay for this. Some of these projects are paid through a combination of grant money and tax levy.
- More than $1.167 million allocated from the tax levy for the replacement, rehabilitation and maintenance of some major structures, including bridges. An additional $932,464 will be drawn from federal and provincial funding.
- $3.295 million dedicated to pavement work to extend the lifecycle of our pavements. Each year, staff assess the most cost-effective treatment. Council allocated $34,000 for this work, which will be drawn from the tax levy, while the bulk will be paid through federal and provincial funding.
- $150,000 roadside protection program, which includes guard rails and other roadside safety improvements.
- $150,000 for rural road rehabilitation.
Overall, more than $54.5 million of the approved 2020 budget is allocated for operating expenses, the day-to-day cost of providing key services to residents, including fire, winter road maintenance, facility programs and services. In total, the Municipality is dedicating $29.7 million for major capital expenses with $8.2 million drawn directly from the tax levy, the statement added.
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