Budget FAQs

Where can we find out more about the Capital Projects?

The tax rates in Leamington and Essex are already significantly higher than in Kingsville.  We are just trying to catch up so that we can continue to provide the same services.   Based on the 2020 rates, similarly priced homes would pay approximately 70% more in town taxes in Leamington!  In Essex it would be 19% more town taxes.   Even with the proposed rate increase, the tax rates in Kingsville will remain significantly lower than these neighbouring municipalities.

The 2.8% increase amounts to $49.37 on a home assessed at $250,000, which equates to less than $1 / week per household.

A 0% tax increase is not sustainable in the long-term and will lead to more drastic tax increases in the future, unsatisfactory service levels, or decaying infrastructure.  Town administration supports stable, predictable rate increases.

2021 was supposed to be year 1 of a new assessment cycle.  But due to COVID, MPAC is deferring the start of a new assessment cycle – so there will be no “phase-in” changes to assessment in 2021.  With MPACs deferral, all homes assessment is based on the previous valuation date of January 1, 2016.  

For 2021 tax purposes, the average single family home in Kingsville is assessed at $239,455.  The median single family home is assessed at $216,000. Using a $250,000 home as a benchmark actually over-states the financial impact on the average household.

OMPF is an unconditional provincial transfer payment to Municipalities that find themselves in more challenging economic circumstances.

The primary financial indicators are Weighted Assessment per Household and Median Household Income.  There is also a component of the grant related to % of farmland vs. total land area. 

In 2021, Kingsville will receive $751,700 from this grant vs. $857,600 in 2020.   In short, our economic indicators, relative to the provincial average are getting stronger so we get less money every year.

In contrast, the Town of Essex will receive $3,988,200 in 2021 from this grant.  The Town of LaSalle has a high weighted assessment per household, and low farmland ratio, so they typically do not receive any money from this grant.

Every Municipality’s allocation notice is posted online if you'd like to check it out.

1. The Town had a sustainable budget to start with – which it does not.  The Town has an unsustainable infrastructure deficit which through responsible long-term financial planning, it is striving to close this gap each year.  By closing this gap, we will ensure the Town will have the money on hand to replace its Roads, Bridges, and Storm Sewers as required.
2. Residents do not want any new or improved services – which is also not the case. (Pickleball Courts, Splash Pads, additional recreational programming and special events). The Town has grown - there are more streets and more neighbourhoods and more infrastructure needing to be maintained and repaired - than there were a decade ago.
3. By “inflation” you are taking into consideration the Construction index, which according to Stats Can increased by 3.9% over the past 12 months. We are not proposing to increase taxes by 3.9% even though the cost of repaving roads and other infrastructure construction has increased at this rate.

Why can’t residents vote on tax rate increases?

Residents elect Councillors to do homework and make thorough decisions on their behalf.  Most residents haven't read the budget, the Town’s strategic plan, asset management plan or other master plans.  Most residents do not attend Council or committee meetings on a regular basis to develop a solid understanding of the complex challenges a municipality faces. Tax increases are never popular.  But the budget discussion is focused on funding our strategic priorities and setting levels of service.  Ask yourself: what is the overall vision for the Town?  Which services do we want to keep, cut, or enhance? You may have very strong opinions about this, and we encourage you to participate by reading important documents (such as those referenced above), as well as by watching council meetings and engaging in public input sessions. We also urge you to contact Councillors with your opinions and then trust them to act as your voice in our community.