Presented by Finance Commissioner Tim Price, the 2010 operating budget calls for property tax increases that work out to 8.23 per cent for the “average” Westmount single-family home. This increase is a direct result of a $5 million (or 12.5 per cent) increase in Westmount’s contribution to the Montreal Agglomeration this year.

“As a result of the Agglomeration increase, your council has decided for 2010 that we have no choice but to pass through the increase to Westmount taxpayers,” Price said. “Mayor Trent has been extremely vocal over the past several weeks as the Agglomeration budgets winds its way through the adoption process. As head of the Association of Suburban Mayors, he has decried the lack of control over the Agglomeration spending.”

But while taxpayers shoulder the increases, Price stressed that there will be no cuts in local services. “We refuse to subsidize the Agglomeration by reducing your local services,” he said.

The City has also maintained its long-standing pay-as-you-go policy for financing various municipal projects, adding another $500,000 to what now stands as a $3 million fund.

Westmount’s 2010 total operating budget is $86,284,100 (up more than $6 million from last year’s budget of $79,820,900), with property taxes expected to bring in $72.4 million. Parking fees and court fines are to account for $3.4 million in revenue, while Hydro Westmount profits will account for $1.3 million. Fees for some Sports and Recreation activities are also expected to increase.

In order to keep taxes as low as possible, city council “has asked the administration to ensure that our sources of revenue other than property taxes are maximized,” Price said in outlining the budget’s main points. “Fees, penalties and other sources of revenue are being examined for council’s review.”

The mill rate for Westmount residential properties containing five housing units or less now stands at $1.0772 (per $100 of valuation). For apartment buildings with six or more units it is $1.2275, while non-residential properties will be taxed at $4.0180. The rate for a single-family home is $1.0772, which means that the “average” Westmount home will receive a tax bill of $11,022.

Property owners will know their exact amount due when the tax bills are mailed out at the end of January. Taxes may be paid in two instalments, which are due March 1 and June 1.

Price emphasized that of this year’s 8.23 per cent tax increase, 7.4 per cent is a direct result of Westmount’s increased contribution to the Montreal Agglomeration.

Trent pointed out that Westmount’s hefty Agglomeration bill of nearly $46 million is based on the high property valuations in this municipality and does not mean that Westmount receives more Agglomeration services than other areas.

“We pay according to valuation, not services rendered,” Trent said, adding that Westmount is being forced to pay for Montreal’s troubles.

“Montreal is guilty of runaway spending,” he said. “That train has no brakes — and it’s going downhill.”