Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE - The Township approved its 2025 budget during a special council meeting on December 23, following a detailed presentation of the draft budget on December 16. The budget, developed through extensive collaboration and deliberation, reflects the municipality’s commitment to maintaining services, addressing infrastructure needs, and managing fiscal challenges while introducing a 4.66% tax rate increase.
Treasurer Johnny Pereira outlined the key components of the $11.57 million budget, which includes $7.41 million for operating expenses and $4.16 million allocated to capital projects. Pereira emphasized that the budget is a critical planning tool designed to balance the township’s needs with fiscal responsibility. “The challenge is striving to meet the needs of as many of our residents or customers as possible in a fiscally responsible way,” Pereira stated during the December 16 presentation.
A significant portion of the revenue, approximately 70%, will be derived from property taxes. The remaining funds will come from user fees, grants, and reserve transfers. One of the notable features of the budget is its focus on infrastructure, with the reconstruction of Mullifarry Drive highlighted as the largest capital project. This multi-year initiative will see $1.45 million invested in 2025 to complete the next phase, bringing the total project cost to approximately $3.125 million.
Other infrastructure projects include resurfacing Scotchmere Drive, upgrades to County Lane, and rehabilitation work on the Katesville Drive bridge. In the realm of public safety, the township allocated nearly $1 million to fire services, including $583,000 for a new tanker and $375,000 for self-contained breathing apparatus and related equipment. These investments align with community feedback from a budget survey conducted earlier in the year.
The budget also incorporates operational cost increases due to inflation and other pressures. These include a 2% cost of living adjustment for staff, council, and volunteer firefighters, as well as rising insurance premiums and conservation authority levies. Despite these challenges, Pereira noted that departments worked diligently to find cost savings and efficiencies. “The first iteration presented to the budget working group for operating was a 14.64% levy increase. There were significant cuts to get to the 3.84% where we land today,” he explained.
Council approved the budget bylaws without public objections or feedback. Mayor Sue Clarke commended the efforts of councillors Garett Kingma and Mike Brodie, who participated in the budget working group, as well as Pereira and staff for their thoroughness and transparency. “It is tough going line by line to look for efficiencies and cost savings when there are so many pressures. We appreciate everyone’s contributions,” Clarke remarked.
The approved tax rate increase translates to an annual rise of $100 for a residential property assessed at $290,000 and $69 for a farm property valued at $800,000. Pereira highlighted the township’s proactive financial strategies, including reserve planning and investments in long-term projects, to ensure sustainability and mitigate future challenges. With this budget, Adelaide Metcalfe aims to address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for continued growth and development.
