Stonewall ratepayers with a home assessed at $300,000 can expect to pay about 20 cents more per day in municipal property taxes this year.
The town’s 2024 financial plan includes a net tax increase of 4.9 per cent, which equates to about $70 more per year for homes assessed at $300,000.
Each household will also pay an extra $5.50 per year for the solid waste special services levy. In addition, the water rate will increase by three per cent on an average consumption bill. For an average quarterly bill, that will equate to $3.44 per quarter or $1.15 per month.
For commercial and industrial properties, the total property tax will increase by 4.7 per cent.
This year, the town plans to invest in paving, sidewalk and streetlight upgrades on 4th Avenue North. As well, a new access to the splash pad area from 4th Avenue North will be built at the end of the summer.
The Heritage Arts Centre will also undergo mechanical, security and lighting upgrades. Thompson Dog Park will expand to create a separate small dog area.
The town also plans to review the zoning bylaw and create a secondary plan for the community.
In Quarry Park, the RV campground will undergo a power upgrade with costs recovered through increased camping fees. The kiln restoration project will also continue.
In addition, the town will continue to support local agencies and committees.
In terms of recreation and culture, the revenue and activity have returned to pre-pandemic levels. The early bird family pass was re-instated for 2024 until the end of May. Swimming lessons will be offered this summer, as well as nine weeks of summer camp in July and August.
The main portion of the general operating funds goes towards fiscal services (37.73%), followed by recreation and culture (18.95%), general government (11.16%) and protective services (9.57%). In addition, funds go towards reserves (5.84%), transportation (5.18%), environmental health (3.6%), public health and welfare (3.51%), economic development (3.32%) and environmental development (1.16%).
Under fiscal services, more than $5 million will be invested in 2024 towards numerous projects including development work at the personal care home site, upgrades to the town office and post office, cemetery improvements and more.
Utility operation expenses include $1.8 million for the south lift station, $2.5 million for the personal care home site lift station and $200,000 for reserve contributions. The construction of the wastewater treatment plant is expected to being in late 2024 or early 2025.
The financial plan public presentation documents are available on the Town of Stonewall website at www.stonewall.ca.
