Prescott has given the green light to it’s 2021 Budget, after months of deliberation.
Town council officially approved the Operational and Projects Budgets for this year earlier this week, with a big focus on improving infrastructure, and revitalizing the downtown.
Mayor Brett Todd says this year’s budget reflects the town’s need for improvements in the downtown area, and the waterfront.
“We’re working on an active transportation plan for our pathways in the downtown and along the water,” Mayor Todd said. “We’re adding some features on Kelly’s Bay Beach, and we’re also doing some downtown rejuvenation right in the core involving some streetscaping.”
$2,850,500 will be put toward the Project Budget, including $2 million for the reconstruction of Dibble Street East which is set to get underway in the Spring.
Other notable projects include the CN Rail overpass repairs ($250,000), and the Downtown Beautification Plan ($50,000).
“The plan will make the whole downtown a little more attractive and more compelling for visitors this year,” Todd said. “We’re looking at an actual study in terms of a streetscaping plan we can go forward with that engages the community and the downtown, and that’s a big part of our relationship with the BIA.”
Meanwhile the Operational Budget was approved with total revenues and expenditures of $9,359,612.
In addition, Todd says the budget being put forth has a property tax levy increase of 1.25 percent – which includes a 1 percent increase dedicated to infrastructure.
“It is a 1.25 percent increase in its entirety, but it is important to note the .25 percent on operations and the 1 percent on infrastructure, because that 1 percent goes into a dedicated fund that goes towards roadwork, sidewalks, and so forth,” Todd said.
More details on the budget can be found on the town of Prescott’s website.
