By Ruby Pratka
Local Journalism Initiative
Homeowners and commercial property owners in Farnham will see their tax bills creep up by about 6 per cent in the coming year, city officials announced on Dec. 4. As far back as July, Mayor Patrick Melchior hinted that tax rates would rise, saying the city had to “keep its head above water” amid rising inflation.
The BCN was unable to watch the budget presentation due to technical difficulties with a planned livestream, and Melchior was travelling and unavailable for further comment, but town officials shared a public Powerpoint presentation breaking down the highlights of the town’s $20.2-million budget, of which 77 per cent ($15.6 million) comes from tax revenues.
The presentation showed that total expenses were expected to rise by just under 6 per cent, with the biggest cost increases in the areas of administration, public safety and environmental hygiene. Spending for transportation and arts and culture was expected to decrease.
The general tax rate will be raised from $0.663 per $100 of evaluated value to $0.70, and contributions for the MRC and SQ will both rise by a few tenths of a cent per $100. As a result, the tax bill for an average single-family home with access to city water and sewer service is expected to increase by about $160. The tax bill for an average home without access to water or sewer service will rise by about $146.
Tax rates will also rise for most other types of property – from $0.588 per $100 to $0.625 for agricultural land, from $0.593 to $0.663 for forested land, from $1.91 to $1.947 for industrial property and from $0.683 to $0.72 for a property with six or more housing units.
Residents can also expect higher utility and waste management costs. Garbage and recycling fees will rise from $40 to $45, water service fees from $165 to $180, sewage fees from $160 to $170 and septic tank fees from $165 to $180.
Tax bills are payable in six installments, with the first installment due Feb. 15.
Infrastructure plans
Major infrastructure investments planned for 2024 include renovations to the town’s water purification and filtration plants ($3.46 million); extensive road work on Rue Jacques-Cartier, Rue Meigs, Rue St-André and Rue St-Alphonse; the acquisition of a new pumper truck ($1.4 million) and the installation of a new splash pad in Parc Uldège-Fortin. The presentation, accessible on the city’s website, contains a detailed list of infrastructure projects.
Budget season
Municipalities traditionally make budget announcements for the coming year in December. Bromont will announce its budget Dec. 11 (after the BCN goes to press) and Sutton’s announcement takes place Dec. 13. Cowansville and Brome Lake will announce their budgets Dec. 18.