With continued growth, funding challenges and finding innovative ways to bring improvements to our community, Council approved the 2020 Budget, balancing the needs of our residents and their commitment to making Centre Wellington a better place to live, work and play in.
“I want to thank our CAO, leadership team and our staff for preparing a budget that enables us to continue to rebuild our infrastructure at unprecedented rates and provide quality services to residents while minimizing the impact to our taxpayers” said Mayor Kelly Linton. “With this budget, we remain on track to build/rebuild 21 bridges in 8 years! I am proud to say that we are getting things done in Centre Wellington.”
Comparable to the 2019 budget process, the 2020 capital and operating budget discussions were combined. Pre-budget Council meetings were conducted in June, September and October to obtain direction from Council and provide early drafts of the Draft Operating and Capital Budget and Forecast. In addition, input was provided by residents through the Township’s engagement platform Connect CW, and a Budget Public Open House was held on October 16, 2019.
The approved 2020 tax increase is 2.7% ($30) plus an increase to the Bridge Rebuilding Capital Levy equal to 2% ($22) for a total tax increase of 4.7% ($52) on the average assessment for a residential property of $377,425. Since introducing the 2% Bridge Rebuilding Capital Levy in 2014, the Township remains on track to build/rebuild 21 bridges in only 8 years
In July, Council approved a new OLG Funding Allocation Policy which set direction for these funds to be used in the year following receipt. It also outlined that;
- 88% of the OLG funds will be used to fund Township Capital, to a maximum of $2.2 million
- 5% to be directed to fund Arts, Culture and Heritage.
- Any remaining dollars will fund Economic Development.
During budget deliberations, Council approved that the Elora Centre for the Arts and the Fergus Scottish Festival would each receive $55,000, the Fergus Grand Theatre will be given $5,000 for a new exterior digital sign and $13,750 will fund the Rural and Cultural Heritage Landscape Registry which will be funded from the OLG Arts Culture and Heritage funding.
As in previous years, several funding challenges remain in place as barriers for the Township.
Staff stressed the impact that the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) reductions made on the overall operating budget. This funding has been reduced by approximately $1,270,900 since 2009 which translates as an 82.4% reduction. In 2020, the Township will receive only $271,700.
2020 Capital Project highlights include:
- Replacement of Third Line bridge (24-P)
- Pier Repointing and Lighting on the Jack R. MacDonald Pedestrian Bridge
- Rehabilitation of First Line Bridge (23-WG)
- Design, approvals and construction of a new corporate operations facility
- Middlebrook Road from Third Line to WR 7 asphalt resurfacing
- Rural road rebuild and upgrades – application of additional maintenance gravel
- Long-term water supply strategy implementation – Phase II Groundwater Investigation Study
- Additional water capacity for Wells F2 and F5
- Installation of play equipment, landscaping and trail development at Forfar Park
- A one year downtown Fergus and Elora 3 hour parking enforcement trial program
- Through the Township’s staffing strategy, one new Roads Operator, two seasonal employees to be shared between the Parks and Public Work divisions, and a Manager of Engineering Services will be hired through the tax-supported budget.
View staff's 2019 budget presentation to council.
For a visual depiction of some of the key 2019 Township Projects please view our 2019 Budget Story Map
If you missed the Budget Town Hall on October 16, view the presentation here.
