During Mondays council meeting, Dave Johnston spoke to council asking for approval of the 2021 budget.
Working on the years budget looked different from years past as no in-person discussions could take place for the public. Online feedback was accepted through Your Say North Perth as well as an online consultation with feedback forms available. As Dave Johnston said, the feedback poured in.
“The video presentation was viewed 109 times and 14 feedback forms were received. I’m very proud of the staff who put the video together and how it was viewed so many times.” said Johnston
Johnston also spoke on services which are funded by tax dollars raised by the municipality. Operating expenses for 2021 are slotted at $15,779,645.00. Johnston broke down how these funds are divided.
“General admin, economic development account for 18%. Police are 16, the library is 6, fire is 8, roads, storm drainage and cemetery is 36, parks and rec come in at 15 and asset management comes in at 1%”
Carried over projects from 2020 on capital budget included Line 84 reconstruction, transportation master plan and the John Bell North and South Light Tower Replacement.
Projects in 2021 included Atwood Service Upgrading, Hydraulic Re-rating of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Elma Memorial Community Centre HVAC Update. Project costs including the 2020 carry over is just under $19.7 million, 32% of it being for the carried over projects.
Property taxes on homes and farms will see an increase. A breakdown example of a home valued at $450,000 would see a ratepayer increase in municipal costs of $135.97 translating to 37 cents per day.
A $1,483,500 farm assessment would see the ratepayer increase in municipal costs of $108.13 translating to 30 cents per day.
Council voted in favour of the budget approval 10-0.