By John Devine
Special to Ontario Construction News
Brampton has a new budget, one that delivers a tax freeze on property taxes while promising to spend $222 million on infrastructure and services.
The overall 2020 budget comes in at $977 million, with $775 million for operating expenses, including salaries, maintenance, utilities, and reserves. Capital expenses include:
- $52 million for bus purchases including eight electric buses
- $41 million updates to roads and active transportation
- $9.8 million over three years to improve sports fields, trails and playgrounds
- $2 million for two new youth centres at Century Gardens and South Fletcher’s Recreation centres
- $650,000 over three years for photo radar in community safety zones
“Council has approved a 2020 Budget that results in Brampton being Canada’s only big city to deliver a tax freeze two years in a row. The budget includes key investments through levies in Infrastructure and transit to continue meeting the needs of a growing city. The approved budget includes the largest-ever contribution to reserves in the City’s history,” says Mayor Patrick Brown, who is also the chair of the budget committee.
The budget was passed unanimously by council at a special meeting. “This budget ensures that City programs and service levels are maintained or increased; levies are continued to keep the City infrastructure at sustainable levels; and that investments continue to build opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” according to a City release.
Budget by the numbers:
- What will be on the 2020 tax bill? City’s 0.0% + Region’s 1.3% + School boards 0% = 1.3% (average of $64 per household)
- The City’s net operating expenditures are increasing by $47 million. This will be funded through assessment growth, revenue growth and the stormwater charge
- The City’s budget includes the largest-ever annual contribution of $110 million to City reserves, strengthening the City’s financial position
- The budget includes a 1% levy for transit and 2% levy for Infrastructure to keep assets such as buses, roads and facilities in good working condition and to ensure that City-building can continue
The City provided a series of opportunities for the public to provide their input on the 2020 budget, including by email, phone, and a telephone town hall that attracted nearly 7,500 participants. The City also heard from a variety of residents, organizations and stakeholders that presented to the budget committee.
“The approved 2020 budget is focused on providing strategic investments aligned with Term of Council priorities. I want to thank staff for their diligence in ensuring this responsible budget enhances the delivery of high-quality services for our residents by demonstrating respect for taxpayers today while preparing for tomorrow,” says David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer.