Before the end of the year, The Nation Municipality approved a final proposed tax levy increase of $1,404,602 (9.51 per cent) during a special meeting held on Monday, December 16, 2024. The approval followed months of collaboration between council members and municipal staff to address financial challenges while prioritizing the needs of residents.
Throughout September, the municipality sought public input to shape the budget, including a community session where residents voiced their concerns and ideas.
The 2025 budget introduces a monthly property tax increase of $18.52 for residential properties assessed at $300,000 by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). This increase is intended to help cover rising Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) fees, maintain current services, upgrade infrastructure, and build reserves for future needs. Additionally, the fire department charge will rise from $85 to $87.50 per property to support investments in firefighting equipment and vehicles. However, the environmental charge will remain unchanged at $180.
The municipality emphasized that municipal taxes represent only part of the total tax bill. Other portions are allocated to the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) for regional services and to school boards for education funding.
Anticipating residents’ reactions, the municipality noted that, over the past eight years, inflation—measured by the Consumer Price Index—has surged by approximately 24 per cent, while construction costs have increased by over 50 per cent, according to the Building Construction Price Index. Despite these rising costs, The Nation Municipality has implemented a cumulative tax increase of only 12 per cent during the same period.
“This shortfall has left The Nation in a challenging financial position,” stated the municipality in a news release announcing the approval of the 2025 budget. The release also noted that the municipality has low reserve funds and limited borrowing capacity. Without corrective action, funding major projects or addressing unforeseen expenses would become increasingly difficult.
Mayor Francis Brière expressed confidence that the approved budget will strengthen the community and provide a stable financial path forward.
“Creating this budget required careful consideration and collaboration. Our goal was to address the financial challenges posed by inflation and rising costs, while continuing to deliver essential services and secure the long-term stability of our community. I want to thank both council and staff for their dedication, as well as the residents who shared their valuable input during the public consultation process,” said Mayor Brière.
Limoges Residents Have Their Say
A Facebook poll in a Limoges community group garnered over 280 votes from residents. Sixty-five per cent voted that council should revoke the 9.51 per cent tax increase and, if a $1.34 million government grant is awarded for the arena floor, offset residents’ taxes by a significant portion. Thirty-five per cent voted that council should revoke the tax increase and explore options to reduce it. Meanwhile, two per cent voted to keep the 9.51 per cent tax increase as is but offset taxes if the grant is received.
In the comments, resident Terry Belisle expressed skepticism about the value of the project, stating, “I fail to comprehend the value for money spent on this venture. Limoges is experiencing growing pains, but the offset of debt should be applied to the developers of newly built homes.”
