KAWARTHA LAKES-City of Kawartha Lakes council voted today to use pandemic funding from the province to reduce a projected 3.84% tax levy increase.
At a special meeting held on the 2021 budget council moved to reduce the burden on taxpayers with a one-time tax break, bringing the increase down to 1.5%.
Mayor Andy Letham brought the motion saying “We’ve brought some relief programs in for community organizations and businesses, this is our opportunity to offer some pandemic relief to our ratepayers.”
Councillor Doug Elmslie proposed a 2% increasing saying 1.5% would mean some residents wouldn’t be paying any additional amount.
Councillor Emmett Yeo supported the 1.5%. “I am comfortable with 1.5%. Staff has done a phenomenal job keeping costs down. I see this as a great step, a wise step.”
Councillor Kathleen Seymour Fagan stressed that even though the projected tax increase has been reduced there will be no reduction in services.
The Mayor said council could provide the reduction and still have enough money left in reserves.
“It gives our residents a bit of a break for one year and leaves a lot of money in reserves as well.”
The motion passed unanimously.
