April 14, 2007
yorkregion.com / Caroline Grech, Staff Writer

Tax hike averages $57 a year

Richmond Hill - You will have to pay a little more taxes to the town, but the extra money is going to add services and plan for future projects, the town's budget chief said.
Politicians approved a 5.9 per cent tax hike at a council meeting Wednesday. That translates into an extra 15 cents a day or about $57 more a year on the municipal portion of tax bills for houses valued at $384,000.

Members of council agreed the increase was something you can tolerate, given expanded services in town, budget chairperson Arnie Warner said.

"None of us likes to pay taxes, but our approach is to be up front and tell residents how we're spending their money," Mr. Warner said. "I think tax increases are inevitable, but it's our job to manage that increase."

While 2.24 per cent of the increase to match inflation, the remainder maintains and increase services.

Included in this year's budget is the launch of the green bin program, including weekly organics and recycling collection, and funding for two staff positions and pre-opening office operating costs for the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. It's slated to open next year.

Cash has also been set aside for six new staff (four fulltime and two contract) to assist the town to develop strategic and official plans; documents that will be instrumental in shaping the town's future.

If you're a senior, however, you're getting a break, with politicians approving a seniors' tax assistance grant of $250, an increase from the previous two years.

While nobody appreciates a tax increase, council laboured over this year's budget, Mayor Dave Barrow said.

"We thought hard about this and the only way we can accomplish all we want to do over the next three years is this way," he explained.

While the increase translates into $57 on an average tax bill, it will create hardship for some, something politicians are not taking lightly, Mr. Barrow said.

As for money the town has from Richmond Hill Hydro becoming part of Powerstream, Mr. Warner and Mr. Barrow said that money has been put into reserves.

"We have enough money to sustain our facilities for the next 24 years," Mr. Barrow said, adding should a town facility need major repairs, the bill can be paid without a tax hike.

The $2.1-million launch of the green bin program is another example Mr. Warner cited as an expense that never hit your tax bill.

Politicians are now looking at four-year plans and they include a new fire hall and community centre.

"We're well positioned to build that fire hall debt-free and a recreation centre on Lake Wilcox that will be debt-free," Mr. Warner said.

Hydro money has gone into several reserves including ecological legacy, infrastructure and community enhancement, he added.

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YOUR TAX BILL

·25 per cent: goes to the town;

·25 per cent: goes to York Region;

·50 per cent: goes to education

For example, on a $3,800 tax bill, $960 pays for municipal services.

THE BUDGET

Items included on the budget

·Centralized customer service at town office;

·Outdoor public plaza at theatre;

·Environmentally sensitive water filtration program at Crosby Park and;

· Rehabilitation of Richway Greenway.

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