in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
March 29, 2022
The Municipality of West Grey’s 2022 budget continues to address infrastructure and capital projects, maintaining existing service levels, stimulating economic growth, and meeting legislative requirements.
West Grey’s tax increase for 2022 is 6.6 per cent, which translates to an estimated overall tax increase of $53.38 per $100,000 of residential assessment. The average residential West Grey home is assessed at $258,000 and will have an annual increase of approximately $138 in 2022.
“Budget deliberations are always a challenging but important task for council to work through,” said Mayor Robinson. “As a council, we must address immediate needs, plan for the future and provide programs and services that meet the needs of our community. This budget provides a stable funding base for mandatory services, while ensuring we continue investing in programs that build West Grey.”
2022 budget highlights:
• Replacement turnout gear for Ayton, Durham and Neustadt fire stations
• Purchase of two new police vehicles and in-car computers
• Purchase of grader to replace 2002 grader for Normanby
• Replace old plow with used single axle plow
• Complete the Garafraxa Street bridge repairs, a 2021 Connecting Link partnership project
• Complete Lantz Bridge replacement, a 2021 federal, provincial, and municipal funding project
• Sidewalk replacement, Mary Street, Ayton
• Ongoing roads surface treatment program
• Launch online portal for property tax and water payments
• Second annual summer camp partnership with Elephant Thoughts, Riverstone Retreat
• Year two, Community Improvement Plan grant matching program for property revitalization
In addition to tax levies, grants and user fees also contribute to the municipality’s revenues. In 2022, grant transfer payments will contribute to the finalization of the West Grey Climate Action Plan, ongoing bridge repairs and road work, administrative enhancements such as implementing a records management database and a new phone system, and finalizing the purchase and installation of downtown street furniture, such as benches, bike racks, waste bins and banners.
“In 2021, West Grey council allocated funds to important infrastructure projects as well as developing significant partnerships to enhance community growth and vitality,” said Mayor Christine Robinson. “This year’s budget will build on our successes while ensuring we continue making important investments in our future.”
2021 project highlights:
• Garafraxa Street, Durham, box culvert replacement, Connecting Link partnership
• Playground upgrades in Ayton and Neustadt
• Fire communications equipment upgrades, Grey County partnership
• Natural gas expansion in Neustadt, with support from the province and Enbridge. Continue to advocate for natural gas expansion in Ayton and Elmwood.
• Enhanced summer camp program, in partnership with Elephant Thoughts, Riverstone Retreat
• Hosted 2nd annual Halloween drive-thru event, in partnership with West Grey businesses
• Launched the Community Improvement Plan, a grant matching program for property revitalization.
View March 15th council meeting.
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