Teulon ratepayers will pay an overall 5.23 per cent tax increase in 2024, made up of a school tax increase of 7.56 per cent and a municipal tax increase of 3.51 per cent.
A house with a total assessed value of approximately $220,000 will pay about $2,560 in property taxes in the Town of Teulon in 2024.
The bulk of the $2.4-million operating budget will go towards general government services (22%), recreation and cultural services (22%) and protective services (18%), followed by transportation services (12%), environmental health services (7%) and reserve transfers (4%). Smaller amounts will go towards economic development services (1%), environmental development services (0.7%), public health and welfare services (0.2%) and allowance for tax assets (01.%).
This year, the municipality plans to transfer $251,280 from various reserve funds to help pay for local projects, including $100,000 from the gas tax reserve towards paving Second Street SE and $30,000 from the general reserve for an outdoor recreation project.
Other reserve transfers will go towards a Bobcat utility vehicle ($25,680), hall assessment and plans ($17,500), park improvements ($17,200), arena plant conversion and roof issue ($16,500) and office technology ($13,900). In addition, funds will go towards trees and shrubs at the park and campground ($10,000), tools ($5,000), Main Street South work ($5,000), town merchandise ($5,000), a new crosswalk ($2,000), railway bridge removal ($2,000) and roof repairs at the Seniors Resource Centre ($1,500).
Another highlight of the 2024 budget is $6,000 towards purchasing Connect, a mass notification system that will allow the town to communicate important information to residents.
This year, Teulon will also launch a tree-planting program. To start, the town will plant four American true north linden, one American linden and six American mountain ash trees near ball diamond No. 11. The second line of trees will be located near soccer pitch No. 6 with five showy mountain ash, one American true north linden and four American mountain ash. In addition, two starlite flowering crabapple trees will be planted 15 feet from South Gravel Road at the horse barn. The goal is that trees will provide shade and wind protection, capture stormwater runoff and improve air filtration, and to maintain the Park for future generations. The trees are provided by the Government of Manitoba’s 2 Billion Trees Program (more information available at manitoba.ca/nrnd/forest/2-billion-trees/). This initiative is in place until 2031, so Teulon is considering options for continued participation.
Looking ahead, the town also aims to improve public engagement. The public will be invited to provide opinions and input on various topics, such as the future development of Green Acres Park and public spaces, as well as the development of the town’s economic vision and strategic goals. Stay tuned for more information.
In addition, the Town of Teulon will be updating its development plan and zoning bylaws. Residents will have the chance to share their thoughts through upcoming events and surveys.
Council passed second and third readings of a bylaw to establish the 2024 tax levy during their May 14 meeting. Tax payments are due by Aug. 31.
In other council news:
• Conversations continue about the walking path proposed by Coun. Kirt Ansell. Mayor Todd Campbell said the 2024 budget doesn’t include plans for the walkway. However, this year’s budget does include $2,000 for a new signed crosswalk near the schools, although the exact location has not been finalized yet.
“We need to work collaboratively with our school division for this particular topic, but the extent of sidewalks or paths should be considered for the whole community and not just one area,” Campbell said. “Safety for all areas needs to be considered. No different from street upgrades or repairs, all areas should be considered, prioritized and budgeted.”
To make any decisions, Campbell said more information is needed.
“Many small communities face the same problems,” he said. “Regarding a timeline, a complete plan and costs associated, including costs to maintain, will need to be presented to council for the 2025 budget deliberations.”
• Council approved a $107,319.75 quote from Maple Leaf Construction for the 2024 street paving project, which is expected to be complete by Sept. 30.
• Council approved the Teulon Rockwood Arena user guide.
