Facing 'number of challenges', Tiny approves budget with 8% municipal tax hike

Tiny Township has officially approved its 2024 budget.

During this week’s meeting, council passed the budget that features a 5.03 per cent blended tax rate (pending final education rate increase announcement) with the municipal tax rate jumping 8.19 per cent.

The municipal portion, which includes 7.15 per cent operating and 1.04 per cent capital levy increase) equates to a $29,86 in the municipal portion of the tax bill for every $100,000 in residential assessment.

“The 2024 budget responds to a number of challenges that municipalities across the province are facing such as contract increases, rising costs of insurance, growth pressures, and  balancing the needs of our community,” Mayor David Evans said in a release.

“The township recognizes that our taxpayers are also faced with the rising cost of inflation, which is why council directed staff to find efficiencies to reach a five per cent blended tax rate that supports township programs, services and infrastructure."

Evans said municipal staff came up with a budget that continues to offer great services and programs for residents while addressing the township’s “infrastructure deficit.”

Funding for these items was approved in budget.

• $2.8 million invested in paving and road preservation improvements including:  five kilometres of asphalt, four kilometres of tar and chip and six kilometres of micro surfaces
• $120,000 invested in climate change projects related to drainage resilience.
• $1.9 million investment in water system infrastructure improvements including: $900,000 for Lefaive System watermain replacement, and installation of residential water meters in Whip-Poor-Will and Cook’s Lake.
• $1.6 million investment in beach and park amenities including: $1 million for construction of the Toanche Pavilion funded in part by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Grant, which will include a covered natural ice surface, washrooms, and a community room, $130,000 for tennis court enhancement at Parkside Park in Balm Beach comprised of two  dedicated pickleball courts, and replacing one of the tennis courts, and $84,000 for the replacement of the playground at Tee-Pee Park.
• $800,000 for major fleet equipment including: purchasing a new loader, tandem plow truck, and ¾ ton plow/service truck.
• Continued financial support for regional priorities including the Economic Development  Corporation of North Simcoe, Severn Sound Environmental Association, Georgian Bay  General Hospital Foundation, Family Physician Recruitment, Community Reach, Wheels for Wheels, Cultural Alliance, and Virtual Care Physicians.