Municipality of Pontiac budget
Tax rate down in election year
Mo Laidlaw
The 2005 budget of $4.03 million, adopted by the Pontiac council on 22 December 2004, is 5.1% higher than last year’s, a $205,167 increase. The overall rate of property tax drops from $10.54 to $7.68 per $1000 of evaluation. The total value of taxable property in the municipality of Pontiac has increased by $81 million (36%) to a total evaluation of $306 million, due to re-evaluations and new building. Although the tax rate is down most residents will pay the same or more than last year if their home has increased in value.
The big ticket items
Municipal roads are the largest single item at $916,367. With the addition of snow removal $304,685, and street lights and road signs, the total public works cost is $1.28 million, up 2% from 2004.
The contribution to MRC-des-Collines police is up 4.6% to $782,767.
Administration is up 6.8% to $453,695.
Garbage pickup and removal costs are down 5.3% to $411,808.
Recreational and cultural activities costs, which include parks, libraries and community centres are up 13.7% to $250,412.
Fire protection increases 10% to $228,828.
Garbage service charge
The service charge for garbage pickup increases by 8% to $160.24 for residences, and to $178.63 for residential- and small businesses, and to $226.58 for large businesses.
Overall tax down 23%
For a residential property evaluated at $100,000, the bill including garbage pickup will be $928.54, 23% less than in 2004 (if the evaluation has not increased). Tax bills over $300 may be paid in three instalments.
Quyon - no increase in water rates; sewage rates up 45%
For a residential property in Quyon, evaluated at $100,000, the bill including garbage pickup, water and sewers will be $1367.57, 13% less than in 2004 (if the evaluation has not increased). The water rate is unchanged, at $236.25 for residences. The sewer charge rises 45% to $202.78 per residence or business, to pay for treating the sewage before it is discharged to the Ottawa River.
Other expenses
The Council costs $83,499, down 8% from 2004. This is made up of $16,920 for the mayor, Bruce Campbell, $12,700 for the MRC representative (Mr Campbell), and $5,640 for each of the seven councillors. The remaining $14,399 is for other Council expenses.
The payment to La Pêche for services supplied to residents in Lac Beauclair area decreases by 5.6% to $36,282.
The smallest item on the expense side of the budget is $353 for the “community centre” at Breckenridge fire hall. This compares to $19,245 for the Quyon Beach-barn, and $34,668 for the Luskville community centre.
La Maison de la Famille in Quyon did not receive any funding.
Projects for 2005
Roads, fire protection and a new drinking water supply for Quyon will be major projects in 2005. Money was put aside in 2002 for Quyon’s water supply and for the gymnasium in Luskville. The school gymnasium project is awaiting approval and additional funding from Québec, possibly in the spring.