Successful Budget Deliberations in Petrolia – 3% Municipal Tax Rate Increase Proposed, 0% Variable Water Rate Increase Approved

Successful Budget Deliberations in Petrolia – 3% Municipal Tax Rate Increase Proposed, 0% Variable Water Rate Increase Approved

Petrolia, ON – Petrolia Town Council deliberated the draft 2025 municipal budget yesterday.  The proposed budget would see a proposed 3% increase to the Municipal tax rate, with a 3% increase in sewer costs, and a 0% increase to the variable water rates with a $15.00 fixed monthly rate.

The session concluded with Council providing direction to staff to amend the 2025 draft budget to reflect the following:

1. Council directed staff to amend the fixed water rate to $15.00 and to proceed with a 0% increase to the variable water rate.
2. Council approved a recommendation from the Scotiabank Committee that will see the Scotiabank property used for a retail/commercial rental space in the front half, and a community meeting room with a Petrolia memorabilia display in the back half of the facility. Council approved $65,000 in upgrades for the facility that include an accessible washroom, alarm system, and new side entrance door.
3. Council directed staff to pay a stipend of $1,500.00 annually to Town Crier, Les Whiting, instead of responding to out-of-pocket expenses requests.
4. Council directed staff to add an additional $500.00 to Council Donations for the Lambton County Seniors Committee to use as required for promotional materials and events.
5. Council directed finance to look at seeking loan funding for construction of appropriate decontamination station and accessible washrooms in 2025 for the Fire Hall; and that the Fire Chief and Joint Fire Committee in preparation for the changes to legislation that will dictate the installation of proper decontamination station at the Fire Department return with a proposal, and that an agreement be established with the Township of Enniskillen to allow the Township the financial flexibility to re-pay their 40% over a reasonable period of time.
6. Council directed staff to return to Council with a quote to rent decontamination showers to be located at the Fire Station in the interim.
7. Council directed staff to take $250,000.00 from the Capital Reserve to extend road resurfacing and sidewalk replacements. Resurfacing work will now be completed on First Avenue from Petrolia Line to Garden Crescent (if possible), and on Pettibone Street. Sidewalk replacement will be completed on First Avenue and on Fifth and Third Streets between First and Fourth Streets.

A Motion was passed Regarding – Provincial OPP contract

Whereas municipalities across Ontario experienced as significant increase in the OPP provincial policing contracts expenses recently released The town of Petrolia would like to state our concern with the 21.5% increase to our municipality and this effect across the province; AND WHEREAS the provincial auditor stated the OPP do not have processes in places to deliver police services effectiveness and with NOW therefore THAT council send a letter to the Minster, Premier, MPP Bailey, and municipalities across Ontario to request that the province provide financial assistance to offset the large percentage increases that are difficult for small municipalities to adjust to each year.

The Proposed 2025 Fee Schedule was approved with the following amendments:

• THAT Schedule “D” – Greenwood Recreation Centre be increased by 3% from the 2024 fee and rounded to the next dollar.
• THAT Schedule “G” – Fire Department – inclusion of a line for “Lock Box” with a fee set for “at cost”. These will be installed at most Petrolia business’

Following the approval of the draft 2025 Budget, staff plan to proceed with several capital projects including:

1. The resurfacing of First Avenue from Petrolia Line to Garden Crescent (if possible).
2. New Dugouts at Diamond 1.
3. Sidewalk program expenditures on First Avenue, Third and Fifth Streets between First Avenue and Fourth Street.
4. Community recreation project amenities.
5. New washrooms with decontamination showers at the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Hall.
6. Major construction on the Water Treatment Plant Intake will start in 2025.

Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer, Rick Charlebois said, “Council reviewed the draft 2025 budget with staff, and I am very pleased with the process and what was accomplished for the future of Petrolia.  Staff spend many hours preparing their best advice for Council, and I would like to thank them for their expertise.”

Mayor R. Brad Loosley was, “…pleased with the detailed information that staff prepared for Council’s consideration.”  Mayor Loosley added, “I would like to thank Rick and his team for this comprehensive draft budget, and I would like to thank Council for their feedback and participation in the review process.”

A Public Budget Meeting is planned for Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in person at Victoria Hall Council Chambers, where all are welcome.  The Public Meeting will feature a presentation by Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois.  Staff plan to bring the proposed 2025 budget to Council on December 9, 2024, at the Regular Meeting of Council.