Tillsonburg Town Council Approves 2019 Budget

Tuesday, 5 March 2019 10:20

The Town of Tillsonburg will increase the municipal tax levy by 2.2 percent in 2019 after approving their 2019 Budget and Business Plan.

TILLSONBURG - Tillsonburg Town Council has approved the 2019 Budget and Business Plan for the Town.

Mayor Stephen Molnar says a lot work and consultation with the community went into this budget.

"Budget deliberations are always challenging and exciting. We try to achieve a balance between planning for the future and addressing immediate needs, while remaining committed to the vision in our Community Strategic
Plan."

The Town of Tillsonburg will increase the municipal tax levy by 2.2 percent in 2019. Homeowners in the town will also see an increase in the assessed value of their properties from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation or MPAC.

Molnar says the 2019 Budget increased $903,000 from 2018 figures.

"We strived to have an open and transparent process,” says Mayor Stephen Molnar, noting that three major themes continue to guide the budget process: service excellence
to the public, improved organizational processes and capital investment in infrastructure."

The tax requirement in 2019 will be $15,718,000 compared to $14,815,100 in 2018.

Molnar adds that infrastructure continues to be a priority throughout 2019, with Council investing $330,000 into the Asset Management Plan.

"Municipal governments across Canada continue to face an infrastructure deficit and Tillsonburg is no exception. Our commitment to funding a responsible Asset Management Plan while continuing to focus on debt reduction, demonstrates a responsible approach to enhancing opportunities available in Tillsonburg for all our citizens and stakeholders."

Other business plan and budget highlights include:

- $6.0 million in capital projects, funded in part through grants from other levels of government
- Significant improvements to Bradburn Subdivision (Phase 2), Concession Street West
- Significant renovations to the Station Arts Centre and Annandale House
- Reconstruction of Lowrie, Reid and Jane streets
- Inter-community expansion of T:GO transit program
- Opening of VanNorman Innovation Park