Rockwood ratepayers will see an increase of 3.98 per cent to the municipal mill rate in 2024, up to 9.033 this year compared to 8.687 in 2023.
Since 2024 was not a reassessment year, the majority of property owners can expect this increase to their municipal property taxes will result in about $45 more per year for the average homeowner.
The main expense in 2024 is fiscal services ($6.7 million or 37%), followed by transportation services ($5 million or 28%), reserve transfers ($2 million or 11%) and general government services ($1.7 million or 9%). Other expenses include recreation and cultural services ($1.2 million or 8%), environmental health services ($885,000 or 5%) and protective services ($687,000 or 4%).
Funds will also go towards environmental development services ($65,000), economic development services ($61,000) and public health and welfare services ($4,200).
In Stony Mountain, the RM will invest $3 million towards Phase 1 of an age-in-place facility, which is subject to pending borrowing authority and will be borrowed against the municipality’s aggregate reserve fund. The project is still in the design stage, but Phase 1 will likely include 50 units, plus a common room, commercial kitchen and hobby shop. More information will be coming soon on the project.
The Stony Mountain daycare project will also continue this year. The $3.2-million project is covered by $2.9 million in grant funding plus $300,000 from the community enhancement reserve.
The Stony Mountain lift stations and force-main project is valued at $3.4 million, and 100 per cent of the costs will be charged back to developers.
Upgrades to the Stony Mountain Community Centre are valued at $113,000, which will be covered by the recreation and dedication fee reserve plus any grants available.
The RM of Rockwood will be contributing $100,000 to projects at the Balmoral Recreation Centre, which will be covered from the recreation reserve.
For the $2-million Road 75N reconstruction project, $1 million comes from the Municipal Economic Development Infrastructure Program, $700,000 from private developers and $300,000 from reserves.
Additional road upgrades valued at $1.13 million will be covered by the Canada Community Building Fund reserve and the aggregate reserve.
A $750,000 grader will be covered by the aggregate reserve fund.
The 2024 budget aligns with the RM of Rockwood’s 2020-25 strategic plan, which focuses on economic growth and development promotion, recreation, regional planning, quarry development, residential development, environmental sustainability and efforts to strengthen and enhance communities.
Anyone who would like more information can reach out to finance manager Ashley Michaluk at Ashley.michaluk@rockwood.ca or 204-467-2272.
