The municipality of Ormstown presented a different method of taxation during the public consultation on Thursday regarding the swimming pool and water games project.
A referendum held at the beginning of the summer indicated disagreement regarding the method of taxation, established based on property assessment. This time the Municipal Council suggested a tax calculation based on taxable units, a more equitable method according to Jocelyne Madore. According to the interim Director General, a number of citizens attended the public consultation held at the Recreation Centre.
“Businesses and owners of agricultural land were being charged more in the initial proposed method,” said the interim Director General. “Furthermore they wouldn’t necessarily be using the swimming pool. That’s why we are basing it on the number of taxable units.”
The total cost for the project (see table below), estimated at $1 264 275 could amount to paying $55.70 per year for 20 years in accordance with the 1821 taxable units at this time. This amount could decrease over the years depending on residential and commercial developments which would increase the number of units.
The project is the subject of a large grant application to absorb the cost to property owners. Ormstown is waiting for news from the Canada 150 Program.
Signing the register
Citizens can indicate their intention regarding a referendum by signing a register to this effect on August 31 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. The number of signatures required to hold a referendum is 321.
If the number is not reached, the Loan By-law will be considered approved, which will close the procedure.
A call to tender to provide Ormstown with an outdoor swimming pool will follow. The one built in 1971 has been closed for seven years.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston
