Renfrew Council did not have much more to say on the town’s 2024 budget ahead of its approval on Tuesday night.
They would approve the $69 million document as amended throughout the past month by a recorded vote of six-to-one, with Councillor Clint McWhirter the only one not in favour.
McWhirter had previously expressed a desire for town staff to find cost savings that would lower the 2024 tax levy.
In a statement made following the vote, Mayor Tom Sidney would say that Council is “paving the way to a brighter and better future,” with 6% of the total road network in Renfrew being replaced as part of the budget and another 12% having shovel-ready projects ready for future consideration.
Chief Administrative Officer Rob Tremblay would add that the document “maintains current levels of service while also continuing operations at the McDougall Mill Museum, in house by-law enforcement, and at the new myFM Centre Recreation Complex.”
A major concern as the budget was being amended was reducing the impact on residents as financing the Ma-te-Way Expansion project begins, as well as ensuring reserve funding was in good shape going into 2025. Acting Treasurer Charlene Jackson notes that the town will be allocating $4.1 million to reserves with an ending balance of $12.6 million for 2024.
Tuesday’s quiet approval was a stark contrast to the healthy discussion between councillors and with the public, who were invited to the February 20th meeting to air questions and concerns. Town staff have compiled a comprehensive list of answers to questions that were asked, which can be found on the town’s website.
Renfrew will be joining a number of municipalities in the Valley facing a sharp increase to the taxpayer burden as the primarily roadwork and infrastructure heavy budget comes with an 11.22% increase to the tax levy. Town staff say that will be reflected by an $183.97 tax increase per $100,000 of property assessment.
(written by Kasey Egan)
