The Municipality of Kincardine Council has finalized its 2022 budget.
A release from the municipality says the 4.94 per cent increase in municipal taxes works out to an additional $98 on the average residential tax assessment of $275,000.
Highlights if this year’s budget include funding for capital and infrastructure repairs and replacement, with $3.81million for the Lifecycle Reserve Fund. Since 2012, total cumulative contributions amount to over $22 million.
$700,000 will go to the operations fleet replacement program. Kincardine says over the next 5 years, the fire department requires a $3.95 million total investment in its fleet, including replacement of the 12-2 Pumper required in 2022 at an estimated cost of $650,000.
The operating budget for fleet management is $875,000 in 2022, an increase of $55,000 (6 per cent) from 2021. The municipality says, with an aging fleet and the costs associated with equipment repair and maintenance, these costs will most likely continue to increase until enough funds are available to support a comprehensive replacement program.
Meanwhile, $342,000 is earmarked for modernizing information systems though software contracts and computer hardware purchases.
According to the municipality, the public sector has been seeing significant insurance premium increases and Kincardine has been advised to budget for an increase between 15 and 45 per cent. The budget reflects a premium increase of $93,000.
Some projects planned for 2022 include a new community improvement plan, a housing action plan, working on actions to improve inclusion, diversity, equity and access in services and programs, supporting community special events, and improving communications to foster an even more informed, engaged community.
Kincardine says it is actively recruiting for three family physicians, as well as investing in municipal staff in to meet the needs of projected growth.
Also of note, the municipality offers a Community Investment Grants (CIG) program that provides a total of $60,000 in grant funding to various charitable and non-profit organizations.