South Bruce Peninsula Approves 2024 Budget with a 4.99% Tax Levy impact

South Bruce Peninsula passed its 2024 Operating and Capital budget bylaw at the November 21, 2023, Council meeting.  

Early approval of a budget will permit staff to begin planning for 2024 by seeking out the best available pricing for next year’s operating and infrastructure contracts.

The total tax levy required to support the 2024 operating and capital budgets is $12,343,860 broken down primarily as follows:

• Operating budget     $ 5,818,680
• Capital program        $ 4,191,180
• Policing                     $ 2,334,000

This translates to an annual increase of $62.53 for an average assessed residential property of $213,000 (per mpac).

The 2024 capital budget is comprised of 44 projects for a total value of $7,210.500.

The budget assigns $110,000 of investment income earned by the reserve funds to help support tax supported operations. Revenue of $165,000 from the 2023 Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) program are being used to support tourism related operations including funding the Grey Transit Route extension into Sauble Beach, Sauble Beach washroom maintenance (enhanced service level commenced in 2023), funding the visitor centre, Bluewater Park initiatives and supporting the cost of waste management collection for cottagers. The remaining 50% of net MAT funding received in 2023 will be transferred to the MATA Corp. for tourism-related projects and initiatives.

Although the waste management contract has increased, the decision to haul away garbage means that the $240,000 contribution to the landfill expansion reserve was deferred pending a recalculation of useful life and revised timeline for our existing facilities.

Council continues to maintain its commitment to community projects, events and programs via the “Grants and Donations” and newly created “Council Initiatives” budget line items.

“Supply chain issues, as well as the cost of materials and supplies has impacted our financial decisions, this budget maintains the municipality’s strong financial management record while meeting the needs of our residents” says Mayor Jay Kirkland.

Some major capital investments include: 

• New clay surface and LED lights for Bluewater Park Ball Diamond
• Bridge work on Park Head Road
• Roadwork on Second Ave (Sixth St N to Gremik Cres)
• Mallory Beach Rd detailed design and tender preparation phase
• Spry Lake Rd (Shoreline Ave to Old Red Bay Rd)
• Plow Truck and Backhoe
• Gould Street and Pengally reconstruction
• An additional $90,000 to help fund future asset management needs. 

Danielle Edwards

Manager of Communications

Danielle.edwards@southbrucepeninsula.com

226-908-1799

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