Saugeen Shores Council has approved its 2022 Business Plan and budget, which includes at 4.5 per cent tax rate increase.
During a council meeting on Feb. 14, the budget report was brought forward and identified the tax increase will cost the average homeowner an additional $186.30.
The total 2022 budget of over $48.7 million, features an operating budget of over $29.3 million and a capital of over $19.4 million.
Some of the major expenses in the capital budget include nearly $6 million for roads and roadsides, $4 million for development services, nearly $2 million for the fleet, and a combined about $3 million for water and wastewater.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says the budget includes a lot of important investments.
“There are a lot of things that are important to the community in terms of improving quality of life here. We have got a significant investment in developing a new pool and recreation centre, something we have been working towards for a very long time. We are going to be doing the design drawings for that in 2022 and start construction on it in 2023, which is exciting. The budget includes a contribution to the CT scanner campaign for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation which is going to be a key investment for our community going forward,” says Charbonneau.
Charbonneau adds the several capital projects included in the budget are key to supporting existing residents and preparing for growth.
In addition to the budget, the approved 2022 Business Plan describes the priorities for the municipality that includes managing and supporting growth, improving operational effectiveness, and building the community.
Charbonneau says, “Saugeen Shores is growing, and the 2022 Business Plan sets out a path to manage that growth so we have the right resources to support our community, deliver municipal services, and protect our town’s natural beauty.”
The plan includes 29 major initiatives and 68 division highlights, which help guide the town’s priorities and work plans for 2022.
The plan’s key focus is to manage and support growth, including developing commercial and industrial land like Innovation Park. Addressing housing issues is also included in the plan by streamlining approvals, advancing infrastructure development, and managing parkland and other natural assets.
The CAO’s office seeks to undergo a major initiative in 2022 by implementing the Municipal Service Delivery Review that was completed last year. The review looks to modernize the organizational structure for the town by aligning roles and responsibilities, improving staffing levels, and addressing gaps in service.
“There is all sorts of stuff in there, I encourage members of the public to have a look at it because it really lays out all of the work the municipality is doing,” says Charbonneau.
