NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA
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At (Monday) night’s council meeting, Ramara council approved its 2023 budget with a 3.50 per cent increase on the municipal portion of the tax rate; this will equate to an extra $19.18 per $100,000 assessment value.
Each year, council develops a budget that supports the funding needed to maintain current services and service levels. This year, the budget reflects the reinvestment into core infrastructure and outdoor recreation with $16.7 million allocated to capital projects.
“As echoed in our strategic plan, this year’s budget focuses on investing in our services and infrastructure that will meet the needs of our community while being fiscally responsible,” states Mayor Basil Clarke. “Council understands that residents are being impacted financially through economic factors, such as cost-of-living increases, so we wanted to keep the increase low. Through thoughtful decision making, council approved a budget that well positions the municipality financially without sacrificing services, service levels or future needs. I want to express my appreciation to the members of council, staff and residents for their hard work and valuable contributions in the budget process.”
These are the following highlights from the 2023 budget:
- Ramara council allocated $16.7 million in capital projects.
- $10.9 million is allocated to infrastructure (roads) capital projects that include the reconstruction of Ramara Road 47 ($7.5 million), replacement of vehicles and equipment, installation of playgrounds at Bluebird Park and Lagoon City Beach and Park and installation of an outdoor sports court at Lovely Day Park.
- $2.35 million is allocated to infrastructure (water/wastewater) capital projects, financed through utility user fees, including water tower upgrades, sewage pumping station upgrades and refurbishments, inflow and infiltration reduction program, water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
- $1.41 million is allocated to fire capital projects that include new fire vehicles and equipment.
- $1.2 million is allocated to other capital projects that include the development of the community improvement plan, construction of the industrial park road, updates to the secondary and official plans and building renovations at the Ramara Centre.
- Two per cent cost-of-living increase on all salaries and wages.
- Eight-and-a-half per cent increase in Ramara Township Public Library grant.
Check out the 2023 budget and budget highlights at www.ramara.ca/budget.
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