Re: Town of Mono Budget

Mono residents must let council members know that property taxes have to increase for a number of reasons.

First is a three per cent increase to make up for the zero increase last year.

Another seven per cent is needed to come close to properly funding road maintenance and improvement. Many communities in Ontario have publically stated that they need a significant increase in property taxes if they are to bring road conditions back to an acceptable state.

In Mono, an increase in traffic volume from the construction of more homes and the use of Mono roads to handle emergency traffic means more wear and tear.

A petition of property owners on the Blind Line several yeas ago, in which most concessions were more than 90 per cent in favour of paving, means that moe funds will be needed to upgrade the road.

Other roads will also have to be paved to eliminate the clay, mud, potholes, calcium, flying stones, constant grading and dust. There are also dollar benefits to paving including lower maintenance costs and a safer road surface (fewer accidents).

Transportation (roads) account for almost 60% of the town's budget and is the major issue to be dealt with every year.

IF residents want to maintain the road system at an acceptable level on an ongoing basis then it will cost. Encourage your representatives to finance the future of a safe and healthy road system by keeping it current and by paying as we go.

Robert W. Anderson

Mono