Clarington March 3, 2020/- Clarington residents will see a 2.2 per cent increase on the local portion of their tax bills. Council passed the 2020 budget focused on infrastructure and adopting some changes that will assist Clarington in lowering its greenhouse gas emissions.
A one per cent increase to the tax levy adds $598,200 to the Municipal operating budget. Based on the 2.2 per cent levy increase, taxpayers will be paying around $32.21 more a year on the average residential home assessed at $390,700. This translates to just $2.68 more per month. Clarington’s projected tax levy is approximately $62.6 million. In the 2020 Budget, Council is proposing to invest $16.2 million in infrastructure work on bridges, road repair, sidewalk maintenance, stormwater management and improved pedestrian road crossings.
Council is also prioritizing the environment by incorporating key changes to the budget to adapt to climate change. Council has dedicated $14,500 in tax levy funding in 2020 to purchase electric vehicles and has approved a new policy, which will essentially see the entire Clarington fleet converted to EV vehicles where possible and available. Council has also committed $35,000 to install new electric vehicle charging stations located at the parking lot on the southwest corner of Church and Division Streets. The other 50 per cent of the cost of the new charging stations will be paid for by a federal government grant. Council has also allocated an additional $25,000 for tree planting to expand Clarington’s tree canopy and absorb greenhouse gas emissions. Council is also looking at incorporating environmentally conscious building methods. They have directed staff to look into additional design components for the proposed South Bowmanville Recreation Centre that would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from that facility. While that project is contingent on a large federal and provincial grant, Clarington will be taking out $4.2 million in debt financing to assist with the cost should the project move forward.
“Council set a conservative budget this year. We are looking to focus on key priorities while maintaining our current service levels. Staff have worked really hard to bring a budget that meets Council’s mandate of a two per cent increase. In doing so, we’ve had to make some tough choices and set clear goals,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
Council has prioritized several new projects and initiatives that will be paid for directly with money that comes from the tax levy. Here’s a list of just a few of these new projects:
Council is also investing in some infrastructure improvements to ensure that Clarington manages its infrastructure gap or deficit. An infrastructure deficit occurs when the amount of work required to keep municipal facilities and assets in good condition exceeds the money available to pay for this. Some of these projects are paid through a combination of grant money and tax levy.
Overall, more than $54.5 million of the approved 2020 budget is allocated for operating expenses, the day-to-day cost of providing key services to residents, including fire, winter road maintenance, facility programs and services. In total, the Municipality is dedicating $29.7 million for major capital expenses with $8.2 million drawn directly from the tax levy.
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