Municipal Council adopts a budget of $23 million for the year 2022

At a special council meeting held on December 21 at 7:00 p.m., the new council unanimously adopted a realistic budget of $23 million, including a tax rate increase below the annual inflation rate.

The rates for 2022 will therefore be

• 0.7673 per $100 for residential and agricultural assessments
• 1.0841 per $100 for non-residential and industrial assessments

The tax rate increase is mainly due to the $30.2 million MRC des Collines de l'Outaouais budget adopted on November 24. The 5.18% increase in the MRC budget automatically determines the municipality’s contribution, which will increase by 11.98% for 2022. This increase alone represents 2.76% of the general tax rate for Chelsea residents.

However, it is important to mention that to limit the tax rate for residents, all sectoral rates, except septic tank emptying, will decrease in 2022, which will mean the increase in the tax bill for an average home whose assessed value has stayed the same will be less than the 2.9% announced. The fee for emptying septic tanks will increase by $20 per year.

 

Read the Mayor’s word (English version will be available soon)

Official Press Release

 

Sound financial management

 

It is important for the new council to ensure sound financial management and plan smart investments, limit new expenses and allow for faster repayment of existing debts, while maintaining the flexibility to deal with exceptional situations that may arise.

Throughout the budget process, special attention was paid to compliance with the policy for managing long-term debt and accumulated surpluses. Council maintained the ratios established by the policy and ensured that investment projects limited the increase in long-term debt. In total, $613,750 will not be added to the debt in addition to the $710,000 that has been set aside for debt repayment in 2021.

In addition, an amount has been budgeted for strategic planning that will allow us to establish our needs and priorities and to have essential guidelines for good financial planning and, better internal management. Most importantly, we will be able to make informed decisions for the well-being of our citizens in the short and medium term.

 

Investments in environment and active transportation

 

Highlights

• Environmental characterization study of the banks of the Gatineau River - $18,500
• Purchase of multi-functional probes to continue studies and monitoring of the water quality of the Gatineau River and the three lakes in Chelsea - $20,000
• Road deterioration study and master plan for the Centre-Village stormwater system - $95,000
• Safety study on Route 105 at the intersection of Cross Loop and St-Clement Roads - $10,000
• Creation of a new conditional use by-law - $10,400
• Improvement of public consultations on environment and urbanism - $10,000
• Creation of a special urban planning program for the Farm Point sector - $10,000
• Re-roofing of Fire Hall #3 and the Hollow Glen Community Centre - $40,000
• Municipal garage environmental characterization study - $20,000
• Speed mitigation measure - $30,000
• Investments in the creation and maintenance of several trails

The budget also includes nearly an amount of $3.6 million (including the Quebec government portion) for debt service payments, $7.2 million for salaries and benefits and $3.9 million as a share to the MRC des Collines de l'Outaouais. The remainder of the budget is for the normal operations of the Municipality and the maintenance of services to citizens.

 

Three-Year Capital Plan 2022-2023-2024

 

The Three-Year Capital Plan (PTI) adopted in October by the previous Council includes long-term capital expenditures as opposed to the operating budget, which focuses on current year expenditures.

Since the PTI adopted by the outgoing Council is realistic for Chelsea’s current growth, the newly elected Council members chose to keep it. The PTI includes a total investment of $43 million divided into annual phases and includes the following priority projects: 

• Voie Verte Chelsea Trail
• Rehabilitation of chemin de la Rivière
• Rehabilitation chemin de la Mine

The new council will be re-evaluating capital projects for 2023 and 2024 after the strategic planning exercise, which will allow them to make better long-term decisions in line with their priorities.

 

Municipal taxes

 

Chelsea residents will receive their tax bills by the end of January. This will be accompanied by a brochure explaining the budget highlights.

Payment of the four coupons is due on the following dates:

• March 1, 2021
• May 1, 2021
• July 1, 2021
• September 1, 2021

For details regarding the payment of municipal taxes, click here.

 

 

On behalf of everyone, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!