City of Cornwall Budget Finalized with a 1% Increase

Both the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Action Group have urged Cornwall city council to pass a 2011 budget with a zero per cent tax increase. Despite the efforts of both groups, council approved a 2011 budget on Wednesday night that will see average taxes increase by one per cent.

PHOTO CREDIT - OurHometown.ca

Cornwall - Apr. 6, 2011 - Both the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Action Group have urged Cornwall City Council to pass a 2011 budget with a zero per cent tax increase. Despite the efforts of both groups, council approved a 2011 budget on Wednesday night that will see average taxes increase by one per cent.

This increase will mean that the average resident will see an increase in their municipal tax bill of $25.15. The budget will see the municipal tax rate actually decrease by 2.9 per cent to offset average assessment increases of 4.2 per cent.

“This is a fair and balanced budget that addresses the need to deliver important service levels to our residents in a fiscally responsible way,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “City council and city staff worked hard to offset the rising inflationary costs and a drop in revenues with a vigorous approach to pursuing operating efficiencies.”

A city issued media release points out that the 2011 budget follows a trend that has seen recent increases in Cornwall municipal taxes rise at a pace lower than the inflation rate.

The City of Cornwall operates on an annual budget close to $139 million dollars, most of which is not deemed to be discretionary on the part of council. Protective services has grown to represent 48 per cent of the municipal budget and clearly this will be an area of debate for 2012 and beyond.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Canada in the 12 months to February 2011 is 2.2%. The rate for Ontario is higher at 2.5%.