Tony Rotherham

December 9 Council Meeting

Several new bylaws were approved. Most dealt with municipal management and administration. Two bylaws will be of interest to residents: 465-2024, a new bylaw on fire prevention and 464-2024, a complex and detailed bylaw based on a provincial law, dealing with responsibility and control of pets. The bylaw on pets may have been inspired by the attack by dogs and serious injury to a jogger in Potton several years ago.

Looking ahead for three years there are several areas needing work and investment. There are approx. 65 km of roads in West Bolton with about 200 culverts. An inspection by the MRC, indicates that 68 of these culverts should be replaced. Turning areas at the end of some culs-de-sac need to be brought up to code.

The purchase of a new generator to provide emergency power and the renovation of the town hall are also on the “to-do” list.

December 16 Budget Meeting

Total revenues in 2025 are expected to be $2,620,836 an increase of 0.1% over 2024. About 70% of revenues come from property taxes. The rest is from transfers, the ‘welcome tax’ on sale of properties, govt subsidies and miscellaneous service charges.

Expenses are expected to be $3,184,815 an increase of 8.5% over 2024. The main areas of expense are: Road maintenance, public safety, waste collection, snow plowing and new speed limit signs.

The apparent deficit of about $560,000 will be made up by a variety of transfers.

Note that the new total assessed value of property in West Bolton has increased by an average of 84% over the previous triennial roll. To help offset the increase, the mill rate was lowered from 0.36 to 0.32/100 evaluation. Property tax on a $400,000 property will go from $1,699 to $1,726 an increase of $27. A $1,000,000 property will go from $3,829 to $3,952, an increase of $123.

Jan 13 2025 Council Meeting

The Canadian Wildlife Service has informed municipalities that a wild boar has been seen in the area of Mont St. Gregoire. Wild Boar are multiplying quickly in Western Canada and cause damage to crops and other animals. They have recently been seen in Eastern Canada. If you see one, please report it. A dead racoon found near St Armand was killed by rabies. Stay away from any animal that exhibits strange and aggressive behaviour.

Municipal taxes for 2025 were formally approved. In addition to property taxes, there is a Public Security tax of $0.05/$100 evaluation which covers the SQ, fire control and First Responders.

A letter is being sent to both levels of government to improve cell phone service in West Bolton.