Rosemère town officials table 2020 budget

(NSN) Mayor Eric Westram presented the 2020 budget estimates that were adopted by town council at a special meeting on Monday Dec. 16.

“Since taking office, we have focused on consultation with our residents in order to clearly identify their needs, expectations and ability to pay,” said the mayor. “With our urbanistic vision taking shape from day to day, the next two years will make it possible to develop the Rosemère of tomorrow in a way that respects our community.”

 

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Budget highlights

An operating budget of $32,226,400; introduction of a new tax for infrastructure consolidation; protection of areas that are sensitive to climate change; improvements to services for residents; implementation of a community life development plan; and a 50 per cent reduction in the use of the accumulated surplus to balance the budget ($350,000), equivalent to 1.5 per cent of municipal tax.

The operating budget is slightly higher (by 1.8 per cent) compared to 2019. With the CPI in Québec at 2.3 per cent, the Westram administration said that “rigorous management of public funds remains a constant priority.”

An enviable tax bill

The 2020 budget provides for a 2.1 per cent adjustment, on average, to the general residential property tax (including the rates of service charges). By adding the new tax for infrastructure consolidation ($0.0043), validated by residents during a public consultation, the new tax rate will come to 0.5452 per $100 of assessment.

Consequently, for the average house in Rosemère, the infrastructure consolidation tax represents an adjustment of approximately $18, while in total, the fluctuation will be $76. For the non-residential sector, the rate of taxation for general property tax will be set at $1.7452 per $100 of assessment.

Non-residential impact

The impact for the non-residential sector is different for each business, depending on the variation in values on the property assessment roll. It should be noted that there is no transfer of the tax burden between the residential and non-residential sectors.

According to town officials, Rosemère is maintaining an enviable regional position. In 2018, the owners of an average Rosemère home paid 9 per cent less property tax, while benefiting from a 30 per cent higher value of their property. Moreover, the Town of Rosemère is 50 per cent less in debt.

Infrastructure investments

“Our financial management policy is to ensure that Rosemerites continue to pay less tax and obtain more value for their home than elsewhere,” added Westram.

The budget will make it possible to invest approximately $11.3 million, in 2020, in the well-being of the community. Here are the main investments: infrastructure consolidation plan; Charbonneau Park pavilion and development; and emergency measures equipment. Details of the 2020 budget may be found on the Town’s website: www.ville.rosemere.qc.ca.