Clearview passes budget, up 1.7%
Clearview passed its 2016 with a lower than expected increase thanks to a higher than projected growth rate.
When the final numbers came in from MPAC – the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation – the township had an extra $67,733 in tax revenue.
After some discussion, councillors decided to put $30,000 aside as seed money for a campaign to market the township to developers and $10,000 to set up an online system to purchase burn permits. The balance was used to offset taxes.
The budget passed with an estimated 1.7 per cent overall increase including education and county taxes, down from the 2.08 per cent presented at a public meeting last month. The increase translates to an extra $48.89 this year for someone who owns a home valued at $258,340, the median house price in Clearview Township.
“I’m pleased to see that the budget was passed early in the New Year. This momentum will allow for an early start to the 2016 projects that departments and staff have planned. Throughout the year, there will be a strong council and staff focus on increasing the use of online services and marketing for the township to attract developers and to spark economic development,” said Mayor Chris Vanderkruys in a media release.
“I would also like to extend gratitude to the taxpayers that contacted myself and other council members with their opinions and feedback regarding the budget. We certainly welcome taxpayer ideas and thoughts throughout the year for the planning of the 2017 budget; After all, this is your Clearview community.”
During the Jan. 11 budget workshop, Clearview council doled out $22,650 of the $23,000 earmarked for community assistance grants.
New applications supported by council this year include the Dunedin Writers’ Festival showcasing local literary talent, $500; Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach, $500; Home Horizon Transitional Support Program, $1,000; New Lowell United Church stained glass window restoration, $500; Ray’s Place, $500.
At the request of Deputy Mayor Barry Burton, council also approved $1,000 for a County of Simcoe education bursary program.
Council divvies community grant money
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Georgian Triangle – $1,000
Breaking Down Barriers – $500
Brentwood Horticultural Society – $700
Clearview Community Radio – $250
Clearview Community Theatre – $2,000
Clearview Stayner Food Bank – $2,000
Creemore Cats – $250
Creemore Horticultural Society – $700
Crime Stoppers Simcoe, Dufferin, Muskoka – $500
CyberGnomes Team 2013 – $1,000
Dunedin Writers‘ Festival – $500
Duntroon Stayner Road Race – $500
Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach – $500
Georgian Triangle Anglers Association – $250
Georgian Triangle Residential Resource Centre – $1,500
Highlands Youth for Christ/The Door – $2,000
Home Horizon Transitional Support Program – $1,000
Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation – $1,000
My Friend’s House – $1,000
New Lowell United Church – $500
Ray’s Place – $500
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 397 Creemore – $500
South Simcoe 4-H Association – $250
Stayner Chamber of Commerce – $500
Stayner Heritage Society – $300
Stayner Horticultural Society – $700
Teddy Bears Picnic Children’s Centre – $1,000
Tin Roof Global – $250
County of Simcoe education bursary – $1,000
