Scugog targeting a 2.5 percent tax increase for 2023 budget

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

SCUGOG: Scugog council has set a target tax increase of 2.5 percent for this year’s municipal budget.

The decision was made at a meeting on Tuesday, February 21st. In a report, treasurer Laura Barta wrote, any decrease in that target “may affect Scugog’s ability to deliver services,” due to “known and anticipated pressures.”

The treasurer estimated this change would see residents pay an extra $10.72 on the average monthly residential tax bill.

Ms. Barta added, in her report, when combined with the Region of Durham’s tax target of 2.6 percent, this would mean residents would see a “5.1 percent increase in total, on the overall tax bill for 2023.” School board taxes are not expected to see an increase this year.

CAO Ken Nix explained to councillors, this year’s operating budget has “been affected by external pressures beyond the control of [the] council,” such as rising inflation and regulatory and legislative changes.

“It is a tight budget, considering the pressures we are facing,” Mr. Nix said.

Regional Councillor, Ian McDougall questioned if the Township has looked at switching its vehicle fleet over to electric vehicles, to mitigate the rising cost of fuel.

“It is something we do consider. At this point, we have found for most of our larger vehicles, the electric options are not suitable at this time. They don’t have enough range. But, they will continue to evolve, and we will continue to evaluate them,” Carol Coleman, Scugog’s Director of Public Works and Infrastructure Services, responded.