Severn Township Council has approved its 2021 Budget
It carries a 2.45 per cent tax rate increase which means an average single-family home in Severn will pay an additional $69 in property taxes in 2021.
The budget includes over $4 million that will replace over 14 km of the Township road network
Over $1.28 million will also be invested in water and wastewater utilities and over $800,000 is there to ensure safe drinking water.
The approved budget reflects the funding needed to maintain current service levels for the Township and its shared service partners, including Severn Township Public Library, Orillia & Lake Country Tourism, Severn Sound Environmental Association, Ontario Provincial Police, and County of Simcoe (social services, long-term care, waste collection and more).
The Township is also investing in outdoor recreation facilities with support from federal and provincial grants for new universal washrooms in parks and a new outdoor sports field.
The pandemic’s shown the importance of safe outdoor spaces and the benefits of physical activity on both physical and mental health. The upgraded infrastructure will make it easier for park users to stay active, experience the outdoors, and relax and unwind in Severn.
“We understand that our residents may be struggling through the financial impacts of Covid-19,” says Mayor Mike Burkett. “Council believes that drawing from capital reserves to avoid a tax increase is not a responsible way to protect municipal infrastructure, now and in the future, requiring us to make the difficult decision of imposing a modest tax increase.”
Enhanced efficiency of local government via the modernization of the Township’s financial systems and improved communications with residents is also one of the budget’s objectives.
As the pandemic continues, the Township says it’s never been more important to improve its ability to provide online services that will make the community and organization more future-ready.
More information concerning the budget can be found by clicking here