Mulmur gets budget increase down to 4.92%
At its Jan. 10 meeting, Mulmur council passed the 2024 municipal budget after having reduced the increase from 10.34 per cent to 4.92 per cent.
Mayor Janet Horner congratulated staff on getting the increase down to something “far more palatable.”
The increase amounts to $24.70 per $100,000 of residential assessment.
The municipality, like others, is facing increases for everything from insurance to materials.
Spending was lowered in part by increasing a transfer from the tax rate stabilization reserve by $50,000. Treasurer Heather Boston noted, “it is not sustainable to maintain a transfer from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve at $150,000 and thus the transfer from this reserve will be decreased in 2025 causing the one per cent tax increase to be deferred to 2025.”
“I want you to be aware, next year’s not going to be awesome,” said Boston. Council discussed looking for future savings within the library levy, given that the Shelburne Library levy is estimated to increase by $25,000 or 62 per cent.
Councillor Earl Hawkins pointed out that a savings of about $40,000 could be found if Mulmur reimbursed the 253 member families the $100 out of area membership fee if the municipality was to withdraw from the library board.
Council also heard a presentation from Dufferin County manager of economic development Yaw Ennin about the county’s Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.
Ennin is inviting member municipalities to identify three to five economic development priorities to contribute to the development of a county wide strategy.
He acknowledged that Mulmur has already taken steps toward this process as it has an economic development committee in place, and staff commented that valuable input has been collected during recent community strategic planning sessions.
Further discussions will be held to see how Mulmur can dovetail the two processes, said CAO Tracey Atkinson, noting residents have been very vocal about economic development.
Chester Tupling, a representative of Honeywood Minor Hockey, made a delegation to council Wednesday asking for a defined agreement for use of facilities at the North Dufferin Community Centre.
Tupling outlined concerns and misunderstandings resulting from recent discussions about fees and cancellation of ice time due to inclement weather.
Council directed staff to bring back a draft agreement that clearly outlines fees, duties, and timelines for cancellations to avoid further miscommunications and lost revenues.
