The municipal tax rate is actually going down this year, but increased assessment rates mean that property owners in St. Marys will still be paying an average of 2.8 per cent more in municipal taxes this year.
The multi-year reassessments, which were implemented in 2007 and take place over four years, result in a five per cent increase this year, says St. Marys treasurer Jim Brown.
“We didn't take advantage of the increase,” Brown says. “We didn't take the surplus and put it in our pockets.”
Instead, he explains, “all departments were asked to come in without any increases,” resulting in a 1.87 per cent decrease in the municipal rate - and, coupled with the assessment rate, a 2.8 per cent increase overall.
There will be a public presentation of the proposed budget this Monday, Mar. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Community Centre to receive feedback.
“The increase, compared to other municipalities, is lower on average by far,” Brown says of this year's rate.
Total operating revenues for 2010 are $18,180,663, up $697,904 from 2009. Expenses for 2010 are $17,713,118, up $594,092 from 2009, resulting in the decrease.
The town was able to realize a surplus of just over $200,000 at the end of last year, since in the 2009 budget; the OPP contract cost was overestimated. The town also sold the building that houses Action Medical, resulting in a gain of $135,000.
Last year was also the first full year of operation for the Pyramid Recreation Centre.
“We didn't have anything to go on (when estimating the expenses) for 2009,” Brown notes. As such, an increase of just over $126,000 accounts for under-budgeted heat, hydro, and repair expenses - as well as $25,000 to be transferred to a reserve for repairs and maintenance.
A copy of the presentation that will be made at Monday night's meeting is available on the town's website, www.townofstmarys.com, and hard copies are available downstairs at the town hall.