NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
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ORO-MEDONTE – Committed to building a stronger and safer community by protecting our infrastructure, environment and investments, Oro-Medonte Council has approved the 2016 operating and capital budgets with a 2.99% overall tax increase.
The increase represents $25.73 per $100,000 of assessed residential property value, and takes into consideration the School Board and County of Simcoe levies.
The budget allocates $15 million for capital and $18.9 million for operating expenditures.
“Due to the economic challenges impacting us all, Council has had to make some difficult decisions in order to strike a balance between providing necessary services and protecting our investments,” said Mayor Harry Hughes.
“The capital budget is dedicated to building a stronger and safer community by investing an additional 2% for our infrastructure needs. The capital budget includes 1% for road construction and rehabilitation, some of the projects include Basslake SideRoad - Line 8 to Line 9, Steeles Line - Moonstone Road to Hwy 400, Line 4 North - Old Barrie Road to Lauder Road. The other 1% will be put towards facilities, fleet and equipment.”
A portion of the Township’s capital expenditure focuses on investing in the efficiency of assets to reduce energy and lifecycle costs, and to minimize environmental impacts.
The Township will be converting its approximate 800 streetlights to LED technology, reducing electrical consumption by 65% and saving an estimated $68,000 per year.
The capital budget also includes construction of a new Station 1 Fire Hall, and a new pumper for the Shanty Bay area as identified in the Oro-Medonte Fire Master Plan.
In addition, the rescue truck for the Hawkestone Station is being replaced along with the self-contained breathing apparatus’ for volunteer firefighters.
“The Fire Master Plan outlines a number of recommendations to operate more efficiently while improving services and safety,” said Fire Chief Hugh Murray. “These investments in the Fire & Emergency Services department reflect Council’s commitment to continuous improvement and assist with further implementing the recommendations.”
Supporting Council’s Strategic Priority of continuous improvement, Council approved funds for an Operations Review in the Transportation & Environmental Services, and Recreation & Community Services departments.
The review will assess the services we provide, the way we do business, and identify opportunities to increase value to our ratepayers.
Another significant project is the development of an Information Technology (I.T.) Master Plan.
The plan will guide and prioritize information technology activities and projects that are required to meet corporate goals.
It will outline the steps to move from our current I.T. situation to meet our future needs.
Visit www.oro-medonte.ca or contact the Township Administration Centre for more information about the 2016 Budget.
Oro-Medonte is a diverse and beautiful community with a central location in Ontario.
A community of 20,078 full-time residents, Oro-Medonte covers a land area of 61,000 hectares, stretching from the northern border of Barrie and Lake Simcoe to the southern fringes of Orillia and north to Tay and Severn Townships. For more information, please visit our website at www.oro-medonte.ca.
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