The City of Pointe-Claire announces a tax freeze for 2021 to give citizens and merchants a break during the pandemic!
“The 2021 budget is influenced by the pandemic that we have all been dealing with since March. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our entire community for their united efforts in limiting the spread and helping to protect their health and that of their loved ones. It is in this spirit of solidarity that City Council and I are announcing a tax freeze for 2021,” Mayor John Belvedere said.
In addition to the 2021 tax freeze, Pointe-Claire announces that, once again this year, “business owners will benefit from a reduced tax rate for the first $1 million of their property value in 2021,” to encourage and promote the development of small businesses.
For 2021, the municipal budget will be $151.3 million, an increase of $4.2 million, or 2.87%.
In terms of revenue, an anticipated growth of almost $4.5 million from new properties and land transfer taxes is to be expected. This growth can be explained by new construction and real estate transactions in Pointe-Claire and confirms the appeal of our city for new residents.
In terms of expenditures, and following a rigorous budget exercise by all departments and the municipal administration, growth in operating expenses has been kept to $1.1 million. In addition, an increase in expenditures of close to $1 million is planned for the repayment of long-term debt and allocations that include reserves and projects paid in cash.
It is also important to note the $2.4 million increase imposed on the City of Pointe-Claire by Montreal for agglomeration services, totaling $67.2 million, or nearly 50% of tax revenues. These agglomeration services include the police and fire departments, public transit, water treatment, air quality, municipal court and property assessment.
With regard to the capital budget adopted in November, the City will continue to invest significantly in projects that will benefit the entire community, including repairs to eight roads, improvements to parks, the replacement of one-third of public lighting with more energy-efficient lighting, and an amount for the renovation of the building on the City’s lot at the intersection of Du Bord-du-Lac ̶ Lakeshore Road and Cartier Avenue, following public consultations. A total of $23.9 million has been allocated for 2021.
“Our priority remains the same: to continue to make Pointe-Claire an exceptional place to live for everyone by improving and enhancing our services to the community, while respecting our taxpayers’ ability to pay,” Mayor Belvedere said.
The 2021 Budget presentation is available for viewing online.
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