Morris-Turnberry Council passes its 2025 budget
BY SCOTT STEPHENSON
Council for the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry adopted its 2025 budget in principle, approving a five per cent increase to the municipal tax rate. The decision was made at the March 18 meeting following a presentation by Treasurer Sean Brophy, who provided both a 2024 year-end financial update and an overview of changes to the proposed 2025 budget.
Council approved the allocation of surplus funds from 2024 into various reserves to prepare for future expenses and contingencies. Staff proposed transferring $100,000 to establish a long-term staffing reserve, $50,000 to the fire reserve to cover a $6,010 deficit from 2024 and contribute $44,000 in anticipation of outstanding Brussels Fire Department reconciliations, $20,000 to the recreation reserve to ensure adequate contingency funds for the Belmore Community Centre roof repair, and the remaining $112,232.90 to the general reserve for unforeseen budget overages in any department.
Councillor Sharen Zinn questioned the necessity of a staffing reserve, noting that such a fund had never existed before. Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Trevor Hallam explained that while the municipality is currently well-staffed, the reserve was a proactive measure to mitigate future training costs when retirements occur. Mayor Jamie Heffer supported the initiative, stating, “The best way I can sum this up is that some future council is going to thank us for thinking ahead.”
Brophy detailed several updates made since the first budget presentation in January, including revised reserve revenue, recalculated interest revenues and updated costs for landfill operations, insurance and emergency services. These adjustments resulted in a $55,739 reduction to the proposed tax levy. To further meet council’s directive of a five per cent tax rate increase, staff identified three one-time expenditures to be funded from reserves: $6,000 for basement lighting from the general reserve, $7,500 for dog counter costs from the animal control reserve, and $35,000 for the Turnberry shop well installation from the road reserve. These reserve allocations lowered the tax levy by $48,500, leaving a remaining reduction of $100,436 needed to reach the five per cent target.
Council debated the contribution level to the bridge and culvert reserve, which had been set at $625,000 in the draft budget - an increase of $135,000 from 2024. Staff recommended reducing this figure, but maintaining contributions at or above the 2024 level of $490,000. Deputy-Mayor Kevin Freiburger expressed concern about underfunding infrastructure maintenance. “I don’t, personally, feel overly comfortable dipping down too much lower. I think we’re already down below where we should be and we’re never going to get anywhere close if we’re always chopping away at that,” he said, though he deferred to council’s collective decision. Zinn cautioned that fully meeting the municipality’s asset management goals could result in tax increases that deter growth. Heffer acknowledged the dilemma, stating, “I think we’d all like to get there faster, but the reality is I don’t think the ratepayers can pay that burden. Your points are well taken, Councillor Zinn.”
After deliberation, council opted to accept staff’s recommendations, finalizing the 2025 budget with a five per cent tax rate increase. The blended tax rate - incorporating municipal, county and education taxes - will rise by approximately 4.01 per cent for ratepayers.