Bracebridge Town Council has approved the 2019 Municipal Budget and Business Plan, which includes a new multi-use community centre and a 1.6 per cent increase to the Town’s tax rates.
The 2019 budget and business plan looks to ensure that current municipal service levels are maintained, while also allocating funds to turn recent planning into action. The 2019 budget and plan focuses on preserving and rehabilitating existing infrastructure, maintaining service levels and supporting local businesses. It also focuses on planning for costs related to the new community centre and funding initiatives recommended in the Town’s Strategic Plan and Recreation, Parks and Trails Master Plan. Adoption of the budget and plan means a 1.6 per cent increase to the Town’s tax rates, which translates to an increase of approximately $7 per $100,000 of assessment for the year.
“The 2019 Budget and Business Plan sets out the funding for continued implementation of Council’s comprehensive capital and operating plans”, said Mayor Graydon Smith. “With the adoption of this Budget, the Town is able to move forward with important projects, including construction of the Salmon Avenue extension and site preparation for the new Multi-Use Community Centre.”
The budget includes $3.4 million to extend and widen Salmon Avenue for site servicing and preparation to allow for the construction of a community centre as well as $1.1 million to complete the reconstruction of James Street initiated in 2018. The plan also includes “growing the annual allocation to the Town’s Major Infrastructure reserve to support pro-active long-term planning for the replacement and/or expansion major community facilities.” There will be increased staff support for the Town’s Parks and Trails and Corporate Services functions and $525,000 will go toward replacing a front-line Pumper truck for future fire response.
The approved 2019 Municipal Budget and Business Plan will be available in the Budgets and Financial Reports section of the Town’s website.
