As if February wasn’t depressing enough.

In addition to the long cold days for which this month is notorious, County residents must also brace each February for the disappointing yet predictable news that their property taxes are being hiked again.

This February is no different.

When council sat down to take its first look at the proposed budget they were facing a 6.9 per cent increase in the net tax levy (after deducting additional taxes from new assessment). By the time they were done on Thursday, rather than reduce the budget, Council had increased it— adding about $173,000 to the already swollen $24.7 million budget.

Yet, at the end of the day, council tossed the entire package back to staff with instructions to come back in March with a tax levy of not greater than four per cent.

Unable to do anything but expand the budget, council waved the white flag, hoping staff can do what it couldn’t— deliver a budget in that sweet spot of voter apathy. An increase representatives figure they can “sell” to County residents without invoking widespread unrest.

But it’s not just taxes that County ratepayers must worry about. User fees are currently set for a 7 per cent hike over what was spent last year—from $5.5 million to date in 2009 rising to $5.9 million to be charged to users this year.

The bulk of user fees are borne by those on municipal water and sewer services. They will see waterworks revenue jump from about $3.5 million to $3.9 million—an 11 per cent hike to be collected through a mix of higher rates and higher connection charges.

By department:

The County’s Planning department is projecting a 29 per cent increase in its costs compared with the amount actually spent in 2009 (note: 2009 figures have not been audited and may not be final). The sharp increase is expected, according to budget documents, because the department expects to process fewer building and zoning applications which generate revenue for the department.

The Recreation, Parks and Culture (RPC) department is seeking a 7.6 per cent increase in its operating budget of $3.5 million relative to the $3.2 it spent in 2009 year to date. But the department is also seeking an additional $156,431 for enhancements—budget extras for a range of 15 items including roof repairs to the Athol Town Hall, Youth Park operations and a replacement secretary.

The County’s Public Works department is seeking a 3.3 per cent increase—from $8.8 million spent compared in 2009 to more than $9.1 million this year. Increased wages and benefits account for the bulk of the proposed increase. On the top of the Public Works wish list is an additional licensed mechanic (salary and benefits: $105,000). Public Works Commissioner Bob McAuley argued that extra resources would allow his mechanics to “move to a preventative maintenance model rather than reacting to problems.”

In Corporate Services, big cost increases in running the H.J. McFarland Home for the Aged, the fire department and a new venture into a geographic information systems initiative, combined with projected increases in police service worked to push the proposed budget higher by 19 per cent than budgeted last year, or 22 per cent higher than the actual amount the department spent.

Next steps:

Feb. 16: Council to review budgets from external agencies (social service, land ambulance, police services etc.).

March 2: Council to review second draft of operating budget and recommendations from Grant Review Committee.

March 30: Special public council meeting to present final draft of operating budget.

March 13: Budget bylaw to be passed.

rick@wellingtontimes.ca