by Tom Sasvari
GORE BAY—Gore Bay council has approved the town 2023 budget that will see a 2.5 percent tax rate increase for ratepayers.
“When you look at a 2.5 percent increase in the municipal tax rate, and the cost of living was six percent last year, I think this sounds reasonable,” stated Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane, after council passed a motion approving the 2023 budget at a council meeting last week. “And it allows us to put funds away in reserve for future equipment costs, like a backhoe. And funding is in place for all our current projects, and we have been able to put money in reserve for future equipment purchases.”
As part of the budget, “We have a new wage package in place for town employees that puts them on par with municipal employees around the Island,” said Mayor Lane.
“We have a number of projects on the go—the boardwalk funds are in place to get it completed and it will be done this year,” said Mayor Lane. “There will be a new walking trail opened behind Waters Edge Restaurant that will be added to our current trail system in town, and we have money in place for that project.” He noted the town has funds for the new watermain system and the town is applying for funding for phase two of the marina project that will provide more dockage and would take place next year if funding comes through. “We will also be working on the downtown revitalization project plan and will be seeking funding, so this would be something that we would be looking at for next year.”
At last week’s meeting, town treasurer Michael Lalonde took council through the proposed budget and highlights. “We made a few amendments in the budget from the committee of the whole meeting on March 2, however the 2023 budget remains at 2.5 percent.”
“The major changes are as follows: an increase in salary-wages for employees, which equalled a $17,924 increase in the budget levy,” said Mr. Lalonde.
There was an increase in the fitness centre revenue which in turns means a $10,000 decrease in the budget levy, said Mr. Lalonde. The initial budget was based on the 2022 budget. A revision has increased it to the 2022 actuals.
There has been an increase in the fireworks budget of $2,000 with the increase in price from suppliers, and for the town to maintain the excellent quality of the fireworks display, said Mr. Lalonde.
Mr. Lalonde indicated there has been an increase in the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport project levy of $35,229. He explained the initial budget for the airport project did not include the entire project to be completed in 2023. With the likelihood of the project being completed in 2023 the budget has been increased to cover the remaining (town) portion of the entire project. The town’s portion of the additional spending, $47,069, required to complete the project, will be offset from working reserves. The overage will not affect the tax levy in this budget.
Mr. Lalonde also pointed out there has been a decrease from the initial budget proposal in the town vehicle reserve allocation, of $25,000. This reduction is to offset the net changes in the budget. The budget includes funding for washrooms constructed at the new town pavilion as part of the budget (with a private donation making up the funds). The budget also included the installation of new marina fuel tanks to be installed at the marina, from funds the town already has set in place for this.
“All of that being said the budget stands at a 2.5 percent increase,” said Mr. Lalonde. “The net impact to the taxpayers will be 2.3 percent with the education tax having stayed at zero percent increase this year.”
Mr. Lalonde pointed out for a taxpayer that owns property in town that has been assessed at $100,000 property value, the increase to a ratepayer will be $43.
Council approved the 2023 budget.
