Barrington council approves $13.5 million for operating, capital budgets

A new recreation centre and public works building to replace the existing ones, renovations to the Municipal Administrative Centre including accessibility upgrades, completion of the improved internet project in Eastern Barrington, and upgrades to the Brass Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant are the largest projects planned this fiscal year by the Municipality of Barrington.

Municipal council approved an operating budget of $8.6 million and a capital budget of $4.9 million for the 2021/22 fiscal year on April 26. The residential tax rate will increase by $0.02 to $1.07 per $100 of assessment, and the commercial rate will stay the same at $2.56 per $100 of assessment.

“Mandatory and operating expenses are outpacing our revenues and with an aging and declining population and aging infrastructure, the future will have its challenges,” said Warden Eddie Nickerson in a media release. “For this reason, council reviewed its services and has increased its residential rate to better reflect rising costs and save and build appropriately for the future.

"We take this decision very seriously," he said, "which is why long-term planning, and an efficient use of resources are fundamental to achieving the necessary outcomes for growth and the delivery of services.”

In a message to residents and business owners, Warden Nickerson said in 2020-21 the

Municipality made significant investments in internet and infrastructure upgrades.

Some of the other projects completed last year included various renovations and repairs to the library and ballfields, the paving of the Lighthouse Road in Baccaro, and further upgrades to sewer lift stations and pumps.

“Our budgets include measures to support its residents — including its most vulnerable, maintain municipal services and make the necessary investments to help meet the future needs of our municipality," the warden said. "Long-term planning and efficient use of resources is fundamental to achieving the necessary outcomes for growth and the delivery of services to our residents.”

Budget expenditures include approximately $2.1 million for policing and other protective services, $1.4 million for education, $4.8 million in capital investments and $1.1 million for solid waste collection and disposal.

Full budget details can be found on the municipality's website.