Council Highlights March 17th, 2025

The Township of Huron-Kinloss Council meeting was held in Council Chambers at 21 Queen Street in Ripley at 7:00 p.m. Highlights from the meeting include:

Budget Adoption

Council has approved the 2025 Budget. The 2025 budget requires an increase in tax dollars of $675,615 from 2024 which results in a municipal residential tax rate increase of 4.75%.  The education tax rate will remain the same as 2024 and the county has passed their budget with a levy increase of 4.92%. 

For every 100,000 in assessed value, the municipal property taxes will increase by $34.37. View the 2025 Budget Book at Questica OpenBook.

2024 Statement of Remuneration

The Treasurer presented Council with the annual statement of remuneration and expenses for 2024, as required under the Municipal Act, 2001. The report outlines a total of $191,816.54 paid to Council members by the Township, alongside additional payments of $3,563.00 from Conservation Authorities and $243.90 to members of the Property Standards Committee. This marks a slight increase from $189,035.15 in 2023.

2024 Year End Projection

Council received the 2024 Year-End Projection Report, which indicates the Township is on track for a significant surplus of approximately $817,513.57. The surplus is attributed to unused capital project contingencies, favourable winter weather, and increased supplemental taxation revenue.

Staff recommended dividing the final surplus equally between the Capital Asset Renewal and Replacement Reserve—to support future infrastructure needs—and the Tax Mitigation Reserve, which could help offset potential increases in policing and winter maintenance costs in 2025. This reinvestment raises the Township’s asset reinvestment rate to 3.3%, moving closer to the target of 3.47%. The surplus represents 7.5% of the amount raised by taxation in 2024, ensuring a balanced approach to long-term financial sustainability.

Municipal Office Lower-Level Water Damage

Council received an update on water damage in the lower level of the municipal office, caused by a sump pump failure. While remediation is expected to take approximately three months, all Township services will continue to operate from the main office at 21 Queen Street with no impact to the public. Temporary workspace has been secured for affected staff, and an insurance claim has been initiated to cover the necessary repairs.

Municipal Innovation Council Dissolving

Council received the final report from the Municipal Innovation Council (MIC) as it wraps up operations on March 31,­­­­­­­­ 2025, after five years of collaboration among Bruce County municipalities. The MIC has led projects such as topographical mapping, fleet electrification, the Food Cycler waste reduction program, Smart Beach safety initiatives, and IT service improvements, among others. As the MIC concludes, remaining initiatives will transition to partner organizations, and surplus funds will be returned to member municipalities. The Impact Report (2020-2025) highlights the MIC’s accomplishments and its lasting contributions to municipal innovation.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Township of Huron-Kinloss Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on April 7th, 2025. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen Street in Ripley.

Subscribe to receive Meeting Highlights 

Follow us on Facebook  for more!