Taxpayers in the Town of The Blue Mountains face a property tax increase of just under 10 per cent in 2024.
The town released its draft budget for public consumption in a news release sent out on Dec. 15.
The budget includes a proposed tax increase of 9.58 per cent. This represents an increase of $207 to an approximate total of $2,366 for the town portion of annual property taxes. These numbers are based on the assessed value of an average home in The Blue Mountains as set by MPAC at $555,000.
Town council had set a target of an increase of no more than 2.5 per cent in August.
Included in the budget is a proposed increase in water and wastewater user fees. These fees are paid directly by the users that are connected to Municipal water and wastewater services. The proposed increase for water and sewage services would raise an average home’s annual bill by $43.
The 2024 proposed budget estimates an $80 million capital budget to support infrastructure projects throughout the town. Projects include:
- Renovations of the Craigleith and Mill Street Sewage Pumping Stations and the Forcemain to the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant ($30.6 million)
- Replacement of the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall ($16 million)
- Replacement of the Craigleith Fire Hall and renovate the current building for Operations and Community Services ($13.3 million)
“The operating side of the 2024 budget reflects in its expenses and revenues, after growth, a tax rate impact of 2.38 per cent, which comes in line with council direction,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon, also the town’s finance chair. “When factoring in the staff recommended transfers to the asset management reserve funds, the required tax rate increase sits at 9.58 per cent. During the special budget meetings in January, we will be looking for opportunities to mitigate or offset the difference of 7.2 per cent outlined in the draft budget.”
The 2024 proposed town budget is now available for public review and input. The proposed budget includes the 2024 operating budget, a five-year capital budget, and proposed fees and charges. Local residents can find the budget online here.
Council will review and debate the budget at a series of special budget meetings scheduled for the following dates:
- Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. (if necessary)
The special budget meetings will be conducted in person and will be live-streamed, with a recording posted to the town website following the meeting. Following review and direction from council through these meetings, revisions to the budget may be made, and the updated draft budget will be posted to the town website on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
Following the release of the updated budget, the town will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The meeting provides the opportunity for residents to address council directly or to submit an email or letter that will be read aloud by the town clerk.
Following the public meeting, town staff will bring a report to the committee of the whole meeting on Monday, March 18, 2024, outlining the public’s comments from the meeting. Following this meeting, any further changes will be incorporated into the 2024 budget for Council approval, which is expected to occur on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
Residents are encouraged to participate and share feedback with council throughout the budget process. To learn about how to participate at a meeting or how to provide comments, please contact the Town Clerk or visit this webpage.
