Ah_flatlines

Jeff Green | May 04, 2006

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AHflat lines their budget

by Jeff Green

It took only one meeting for Addington Highlands Council to work through their 2006 budget, approving a levy to taxpayers that is almost identical to the amount collected in 2005.

Taxes will be going up for Addington Highlands residents, however, as the result of an increase of 7.2% in the Lennox and Addington County budget. About $85,000 more will be collected from Addington Highlands taxpayers’ pockets in 2006 than was levied in 2005 to fund municipal services such as county roads, ambulance service, long term care, Ontario Works, social housing, and others.

A healthy increase in the property assessment base for Addington Highlands, almost 15%, will result in a significant decrease in the tax rate charged on local tax bills.

Addington Highlands Council was pleased to be able to keep their own budget from increasing.

“We’ve had some budget increases over the past few years, so it’s nice to be able to not increase the budget this year,” said Reeve Hook.

“I think the residents will appreciate it,” said Councillor Louise Scott.

One item that did increase with this year’s budget is Council’s pay. For 2006, the Reeve will receive $12,000, the deputy Reeve $9,000, and Councillors $7,000 each. As well, the mileage rate for all members of Council as increased to 40 cents per kilometre from 38 cents.

Budget documents have not been finalised, and the formal approval of the budget will take place at the next Addington Highlands Council meeting, on April 16 in Denbigh.