Archive

Town passes $125 million budget with a tax increase of 2.35 per cent

February 2, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Orangeville residents will be paying more property tax this year as Council passed this year’s budget on January 24.

Council assessed a 2.35 per cent tax levy, meaning on average, residential property owners will be paying less than $100 more this year.

In a statement, the Town said “the goal of Town staff and Council is to create a budget each year that balances the cost of providing Town services with the available financial resources.”

Over all, the Town said that financially, things are looking good.

“Over the last two years, as we navigated through the global pandemic, we have learned to be nimble and pivot, and that collective skill set will pay dividends as we navigate our way through an unstable economy,” said Nandini Syad, Town treasurer. “The Town has a healthy tax base, a sizable reserve, well-maintained investment and debt portfolios, ample liquidity in terms of cash flow, and a team of staff looking over the Town’s finances.”

Each year, the budget is made up of two parts, including the Capital Budget, which consists of items such as major infrastructure projects to keep facilities and roads operational, and community service projects like the work at the Alder Pool, the multi-use trail corridor, and libraries.

The Operation Budget, includes finances required to keep the town running – this includes salaries and OPP policing costs.

The 2023 budget is total of $125.4 million. This is divided between the operating budget at $43.3 million, and the capital budget with $82.1 million.

The Town also collects the taxes on behalf of the County of Dufferin and the Upper Grand District School Board.

“The 2023 budget finds a strong balance between a manageable and moderately low tax increase and proceeding with several community service and infrastructure projects that will enhance assets without our Town,” said Orangeville mayor, Lisa Post. “With the completion of the alder pools on the horizon, connecting Hansen Boulevard, improvements to the playground at Rotary Park, and continued work on the trail corridor, we have a great year ahead of us. I’m proud to the work of our staff and council in achieving this budget.”

Key projects in the 2023 budget include, replacement program for aging water meters, completion of an expanded eight lane pool and new leisure pool at the Alder Recreation Centre, the new 29,000 square foot fire station at the corner of Centennial and Commerce Road, Phase 2 of the main multi-use trail corridor from Broadway / Blind line to Town line, and the Tony Rose feasibiliy study and business case.

The budget also includes a library feasibility study to provide direction on physical space needs, location, capital and operating cost and future cost projections, Redevelopment of the playground structure and area accessibility at Rotary Park, construction of a water storage facility at Well 5, and the completion of the Hanson Blvd. Culvert to allow the road to be constructed with the opening anticipated in fall 2023.

In the face of an historical 6.9 per cent inflation rate, continuous labour shortage, and supply chain bottlenecks, along with the challenges related to Bill 23, a 2.35 per cent increase marks an outstanding achievement, according to the town. The final 2023 budget will allow the Town of Orangeville to maintain its current service levels owed to its citizens and continue to work towards other service enhancements.

Readers Comments (0)