Trent Lakes passes 2.15 per cent tax-rate increase

The Municipality of Trent Lakes council approved its 2024 budget Tuesday with one of the lowest tax rate increases of the eight townships in Peterborough County at 2.15 per cent, said Deputy Mayor Carole Armstrong.

“We were facing inflation, higher costs caused by chain disruptions, increased demand for services, and all of those pressures,” Armstrong said at the council meeting.

“However, through a very judicious and proactive use of our reserves and grants and fees, our management has been able to hold the increase down to 2.15 per cent.

“So, I think they deserve a huge amount of credit,” she continued.

The total municipal budget is up $3.20 million for a total of $26.29 million explained Donna Teggart, chief administrative office and treasurer for the municipality.

“This increase is due to increases in operating costs in some departments, but it’s mostly due to the construction that’s underway of the new dedicated mechanic recreation and facilities building,” saidTeggart.

The tax rate increase results in a jump of $8.53 a year in taxes for $100,000 of residential assessment.

“A significant component of the Trent lakes budget is the OPP annual levy annually, and in 2024 it’s estimated to be $17,008,28,” Teggart continued.

Conditions impacting this year’s budget include increased training certification requirements for emergency services; increased costs for fire dispatch and radio services agreements; purchasing delivery delays and lack of bidders on projects; increased costs due to inflationary pressures; the Public Health transfer of sewage inspections and permit issuance to the township; and insurance cost increases.

However, there were a number of cost savings, as well.

They included continued digitization and process efficiencies; joint tendering with the county for surface treatment, winter sand and calcium chloride and joint county training opportunities; new revenue due to blue box producer responsibility and recycling depots; and waste initiatives which have reduced haulage fees.

The capital budget includes money for a new sand and salt dome, road work, replacement of vehicles and equipment, the Lakehurst Hall lower bowl project, designs for a new joint fire and public works building in Buckhorn, as well as the mechanic recreation and facilities building on County Road 49.

Construction on that building began in late August and it is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2024, in time for the 2024-2025 winter season.

The tax rate increase results in a jump of $8.53 a year in taxes for $100,000 of residential assessment