During the regular meeting on March 13, Russell Township council approved the 2023 budget, which included a four-per-cent tax increase for the average residential home. For the township’s average household assessment value of $348,000, this means a $65.79 tax increase in 2023.

The four-per-cent increase will result in a total estimated revenue of $637,510. Council has dedicated one per cent of the tax hike to the new recreational complex, while another 2.5 per cent will be invested directly into roads and infrastructure. In a letter sent out on March 16, Mayor Pierre Leroux said that improving roads has been the most requested budget item from residents every year.

“With this budget, we improve roads, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety while increasing cultural, recreational and environmental investments,” stated Mayor Leroux. “By addressing asset management deficits and continuing our financial plan for the Recreation Complex, Township is being proactive and planning for the long term. I commend the staff for their professionalism and dedication to our community. I wish to thank council for being open-minded during budget discussions; we achieved a reasonable and balanced tax increase during challenging economic times while considering the priorities within our community for 2023.”

More information on the budget is available on the township website at https://www.russell.ca/en/your-township/budget-and-finances.aspx. There will also be a live question and answer session on the Township Facebook and YouTube pages, where Mayor Leroux and the township’s treasurer will answer questions submitted by residents. Residents may email their questions to info@russell.ca ahead of time, or join the livestream and ask directly.

The question-and-answer session will start at 7 p.m. on April 6.