PUSLINCH – The Township of Puslinch has had its 2021 budget approved after managing to get the tax increase to under one per cent.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Puslinch council approved a 0.93 per cent increase on the township portion of taxes.
Early projections in November put the tax increase at 5.75 per cent but has been brought down through property reassessment and government funding that's been announced since then.
A press release from the township says this works out to $9.47 increase per $601,000 of assessment.
Mayor Jame Seeley said in a statement the township has passed a responsible budget focused on key priorities.
“The township is appreciative of the Safe Restart Funding announced by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for 2021 COVID-19 operating pressures and the 2021 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund,” Seeley said.
With the county’s 1.24 per cent increase and no increase on the education portion of property taxes, Puslinch residents can expect an additional $55.13 per $601,000 of assessment on their tax bill.
Highlights from the 2021 budget noted in the release include:
- $1.3 million of contribution into capital discretionary reserves for future projects and equipment including future gravel road improvements
- $1.2 million invested in roads, culverts and stormwater management facilities including improvements to Concession Road 4, McLean Road East and West, Gilmour Culvert and the Hume Road railway crossing
- Enhancements to township parks and facilities
