Information about your tax billInformation about your tax bill

www.ville.deux-montagnes.qc.cawww.ville.deux-montagnes.qc.ca

“Thanks to the efforts

of our employees and

favorable conditions,

citizens will be

satisfied and

reassured to learn

that the residential

tax increase for 2013

will be substantially

the same as the

consumer price

index.„

Marc Lauzon, Mayor

The creation of new wealth for our Cityis more imperative than ever.

On behalf of all Board members and City employees, I wish you all a wonderful 2013. May the New Year bring you

much happiness, tenderness and serenity!

A balanced budget

On December 13, municipal councillors and I adopted the breakdown of the City’s budget for 2013.

Thanks to the efforts of our employees and favorable conditions, citizens will be satisfied and reassured to learn that the residential tax increase for 2013 will be substantially the same as the consumer price index. The impact on the average tax payer represents a 2.2% increase for the average home owner.

Revising our management methods continued, as did the optimization of our working methods. Furthermore, as is the case each year, all departments were reassessed.

Monitoring worksites that is now performed by our staff helped us save more than $300,000 in professional service costs in 2012. In addition, many renovations were carried out in 2012, including sewer lines, which also generated significant savings. This work helped us reduce the volume of wastewater routed to aerated lagoons, in addition to improving the efficiency of our network, which lead to a decrease in the quota share payable to the Wastewater Treatment Board of Deux-Montagnes. Regard-ing recreation, signing various inter-municipal agreements also allowed the City to benefit from increased savings.

Several factors have helped to achieve our results this year. First, the Metropolitan Transpor-tation Agency (AMT) delayed the introduction of its new cost–sharing program to help ease station over-crowding. That being said, we have to provide a significant increase in our payment share to the AMT in the coming years. We will also assume significant cost increases, particu-larly for the implementation of the new risk coverage plan and the possible creation of a new police force.

The creation of new wealth for our City is more imperative than ever. In this context, we are proceeding with the restructuring and reorganiza-tion of management of the territory, including public works, urban planning and technical departments, in order to optimize performance. With this objective in mind, the city council has decided to create an additional position. This employee will be primarily responsible for preparing the redevelopment of targeted areas, in order to create new essential revenue four our city’s future.

We also encourage you to actively participate in the revitalization of the city by making changes to your property that will increase its market value. You will then receive residential and commercial renova-tion tax credits that were established by the City in 2012. Please refer to our web site for details on the tax credit program for residential renovations.

In order for our city to remain healthy, attract new families and businesses, and provide a better tax base distribution for its citizens, we must promote a progressive and responsible urban redevelopment based on sustainable development principles. We intend to continue working in this same direction in 2013.

Marc Lauzon, Mayor

Dear fellow citizens,

Ever since its founda-tion 90 years ago, the City has emphasized residential develop-ment. This directly affects the City’s sources of revenue,

especially since it has basically reached the end of its residential development. However, 90% of tax revenues come from property taxes paid by the residential sector. With expenditures on the rise, our future depends on finding new sources of wealth.

In November the Citizens’ Advisory Committees presented their final report to elected officials, who also concluded that the status quo was no longer acceptable. New revenues had to be generated.

Again this year, all department heads and elected officials have worked very hard to achieve a balanced budget. The new budget requests by the various City departments meet basic needs. Therefore, spending growth remains low and reason-able. Many of you will be pleased to learn that the residential tax increase is below the consumer price index. In general, homeowners will see their tax bill rise by 2.3% on average, while Montreal’s CPI stands at 3.3%.

The current residential tax rate per $100 will be $0.936, representing a $0.057 decrease over last year. For some, the impact will be more modest, but for those like me who have seen their property values jump by over 7%, it will mean a higher tax bill.

The small tax increase for 2012 is mainly due to the very tight management of public finances and the development of new methods.

The 2012 budget ensures that our facilities and infrastructures will remain sound. Most of our funds go towards their restoration, maintenance and repair. We must absolutely keep our infrastructure in good condition and devote the necessary time, money and energy. We have earmarked $5 million for this purpose, and to maintain the quality of life of our citizens.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that, if the uniqueness of our public finances has helped us optimize our management methods, it has also made employees focus on operational issues

at the expense of planning. Hopefully in the near future, new-found revenue sources will help ease the tax burden on citizens and allow the municipal government to spend more time on planning and implementing new ideas, so we will no longer face the same predicament as last year.

Marc Lauzon, Mayor

A Word From the Mayor

The current residential tax rate per $100 will be $0.936, representing a $0.057 decrease over last year.

Dear Citizens,

A Word From the Mayor

2013 budget highlights

Land Management• Restructuring and reorganization of public works, urban planning and technical departments in order to optimize performance.

• Creation of a new management position to prepare the redevelopment of targeted sectors in order to create new, essential revenues for our city’s future.

• Continuation of renovation and maintenance work of underground infrastructures and municipal buildings.

Recreation• Abolition of Olympia activities coordination position and creation of a recreation superintendent position.

• Continuation of discussions to reach new inter-municipal agreements.

• Improvement of online recreation registration services.

• Establishment of boat rental service (motorless) behind the Legion (canoe, kayak).

Police• Intensification of the fight against crime.

• Conducting police operations against drinking (and drugs) and driving to ensure compliance with the road safety code.

• Implementation of bullying, drug use, graffiti and other prevention strategies.

• Implementation of a multi-disciplinary team (periodically) to heighten police presence in problematic areas.

Communications• Redesign of the City’s website.

Municipal Clerk• Preparation of municipal elections in November 2013.

About your tax bill

Where your tax money goes

PROPERTY TAX (per $100 assessment) 2011 2012 Real Rate Current Rate 1 to 5 units $ 0.993 $ 0.936 6 housing units and more $ 1.076 $ 1.029 Non-residential buildings $ 2.984 $ 2.834OTHER Loan payback 1122 – Asphalt paving $ 0.022 $ 0.020 Loan payback 1324 – Water Plant $ 0.029 $ 0.026 Environment $ 0.002 $ 0.006RATES Waste $ 140 $ 147 Wastewater $ 146 $ 160 Drinking water $ 159 $ 166 Public transit $ 62 $ 64 Snow removal* $ 104 $ 111 Pool : Above-ground $ 25 $ 25 Pool : In-ground $ 35 $ 35*Fee previously included in property tax.

Excluding intermunicipal agreements

Financing costs: $ 0.27Urban planning: $ 0.03Public transit: $ 0.04Waste collection: $ 0.06Leisure and culture: $ 0.10Drinking water & wastewater: $ 0.11Public works: $ 0.11General administration: $ 0.12Public safety: $ 0.17

2012 budget highlightsThe 2012 budget ensures that our facilities and infrastructures will remain sound. An amount of $5 million will go towards their restoration, maintenance and repair. In addition to meeting its financial obligations, Ville de Deux-Montagnes remains committed to improving services and maintaining the quality of life of its citizens. The following are some examples:

TECHNICAL SERVICES and URBAN DEVELOPMENT• Building a sewage equalization basin at Larry-Cool pumping station to prevent wastewater discharge into Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes• Upgrading approximately 4000m of water mains and 700m of sewer mains in the Grand-Moulin sector

• Reconstructing Des Promenades Boulevard

• Updating signage regulations

• Loosening permit and certificate regulations

PUBLIC WORKS• Optimizing the graffitti removal program started in 2011• Optimizing public lighting maintenance

• Completing work at the water filtration plant

POLICE• Stepping up crime prevention efforts: conducting operations in parks, schools, etc. • Conducting police crackdowns on drinking and driving to ensure compliance with road safety laws

• Implementing prevention strategies on bullying, drug use, graffiti and other issues

MUNICIPAL COURT• Online payment of fines

RECREATION• Signing a memorandum of understanding with Ville de Saint-Eustache to provide a skating trail on the Mille-Îles River • Signing a memorandum of understanding with six other Partner Cities allowing area youth to play football

• Implementing a recreational management software program to simplify operations

• Revamping the library’s Website

• Acquiring an e-book collection

The 2013 budget is a balanced budget where new expenditures meet critical needs, deemed priorities. The budget focuses on equipment sustainability and aging infrastructure.

It respects both the City’s financial obligations and collective will of elected officials and staff to provide better services to the population. It establishes the necessary elements to ensure a promising future. Here are the main elements that will be carried out in 2013:

About your taxes

How is your tax money broken down? (imagine a dollar divided into pie slices)

PROPERTY TAXES (per $100 of assessment) 2013 2012 Prevailing Rate Real Rate���1 to 5 units $0.8446 $0.9360���6+units $0.8542 $1 .0290���Non-residential buildings $2.6395 $2.8340

OTHERS Borrowing regulation 1122 – paving $0.01 78 $0.0200���Borrowing regulation 1324 – water plant $0.0222 $0.0260���Environment $0.0052 $0.0060

PRICING���Waste matter $ 150 $ 147���Waste water $ 163 $ 160���Drinking water $ 169 $ 166���Public transportation $ 65 $ 64���Snow removal $ 113 $ 111���Swimming pool : above-ground $ 25 $ 25���Swimming pool : in-ground $ 35 $ 35

Excluding inter-municipal agreements

Financing costs and allocations : $0.25Urban planning : $0.04Public transportation : $0.04Waste matter : $0.06Recreation, culture, health and wellness : $0.1 1Drinkable water and waste water : $0.09Public works : $0.1 1General administration : $0.1 2Public safety : $0.18

Where and how to pay my tax bill?

Where and how?

For more information450 473-2796info@ville.deux-montagnes.qc.cawww.ville.deux-montagnes.qc.ca

OPTION 1According to your preferred frequency and breakdownTo pay your tax bill according to your preferred frequency, log on to the City’s Website at www.ville.deux-montagnes.qc.ca under the tab Tax Payment. This free service allows you to spread your payments over several months. Feel free to contact the City’s Finance Department (450 473-2796) if you require any assistance.

OPTION 2In 4 installments, directly with the CityThose who prefer to deal directly with the City can either pay their tax bill in one lump sum or through the following four-instalment methods:

Deadlines1st payment: no later than March 5, 20122nd payment: no later than May 7, 20123rd payment: no later than July 9, 20124th payment: no later than September 10, 2012

DISCOUNTA discount of 1% will be granted for any tax bill paid in full on or before the day of the first payment, which falls on March 5, 2012.

Payments made after each of these respective dates will carry interest. However, it will only be calculated on the instalment amount and not on the total tax bill.

1. BY MAILSend us your postdated cheques, made payable to:Ville de Deux-MontagnesTax Department803 Oka RoadDeux-Montagnes, Qc J7R 1L8

2. THROUGH YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

You can also deal with your financial institution (Canadian banks or Caisses Desjardins). Transactions can be completed at the counter, by ATM or through the institution’s Internet site.

Mortgage loan - If your taxes are paid through a financial institution, you must make sure that the payment is made on the due dates.

3. AT CITY HALL

You can also pay your tax bill in person at City Hall’s Finance Department, located at 803 Oka Road, during office hours.

Only cash, cheques and debit transactions will be accepted. If you prefer, you may also put your postdated cheques in an envelope and drop it in the mail chute in front of City Hall.

When and how do I pay my tax bill?

When and how?

OPTION 1Depending on the desired frequency and apportionmentTo pay your tax bill by the desired frequency, log on to the City’s website at www.ville.deux-montagnes.qc.ca under the Tax payment tab. This free service allows you to spread out your payments over several months. Don’t hesitate to contact the City’s Finance Department (450 473-2796), to help you in your efforts.

OPTION 2In 4 installments, directly to the City…Those who prefer to deal directly with the City may pay their taxes in one lump sum or take advantage of the four-installment payment method, as follows :

Deadlines:1st installment: no later than March 4th, 20132nd installment: no later than May 6th, 20133nd installment: no later than July 8th, 20134nd installment: no later than September 9th, 2013

1. BY MAILSend us your postdated cheques, made payable to:Ville de Deux-MontagnesService de la taxation803, chemin d’OkaDeux-Montagnes (Québec) J7R 1L8

2. THROUGH YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONYou can also pay through your financial institution (Canadian banks or Caisse Desjardins). Transactions can be completed at bank service counters, automatic tellers (ATMs) or through online banking services of these institutions. Please note that the serial number is now required.

Mortgage loans – If your taxes are paid by a financial institution, you must ensure that payment is made in accordance with the prescribed dates.

3. TO CITY HALLIt is also possible to pay your taxes in person in the Finance Department at City Hall located at 803, chemin d’Oka, during business hours.

Only cash, cheque or credit card payments are accepted. If necessary, you can also place the envelope containing your postdated cheques in the mail chute installed in front of city hall.

Please note that since January, a new triennial property assessment has gone into effect that is applicable for 2013-2014 and 2015. You can check the value of your property on your 2013 taxes or online on the City’s website. If you wish to ask for an assessment roll revision of your property taxes you must make a request for a form at the City’s Finance Department, situated at 803 chemin d’Oka in Deux-Montagnes, or by calling 450 473-2796. Applications must be submitted no later than April 30, 2013.

New Property Assessments

DISCOUNTA 1 % discount will be given for a tax bill paid in full on or before the 1st installment date, March 4th, 2013.

Payments made after each respective date will be charged interest. However, interest will be calculated on the installment amount and not the total tax bill.

450 473-2796 • info@ville.deux-montagnes.qc.ca • www.ville.deux-montagnes.qc.ca