Ontario Construction News staff writer
Kingston city council passed the 2024 operating and capital budgets with a one per cent tax for capital investment.
“I am excited to see this year’s budget approved,” says Mayor Paterson. “It provides a strategic roadmap for our city’s progress, ensuring targeted investments in crucial areas while maintaining existing City services. This budget establishes the groundwork for several council priorities and sets the stage for many important initiatives for our community.”
The 2024 budget includes $131 million for capital projects.
“City staff prepared the proposed 2024 budgets based on the direction from Mayor Paterson,” said Desiree Kennedy, city treasurer and CFO. “Despite inflationary challenges, the 2024 operating budget provides for a municipal tax increase of 2.5 per cent, well below the current rate of inflation, plus a 1 per cent incremental capital levy for continued investment in the city’s capital assets.”
“The capital budget is a funding plan that represents primarily routine asset management investments that are necessary for the ongoing maintenance of our infrastructure and other assets, including roads, bridges, parks, facilities and fleet. “
This year’s capital budget also includes $9.5 million for the Confederation Basin Promenade, $7.5 million for investment in affordable and supportive housing and $10.2 million for the replacement of six diesel transit buses with electric units, as well as additional $8 million to repair roads in poor condition.
Council amended the proposed budget to include an additional $1 million in support for family physician recruitment, as well as $40,000 earmarked for additional crossing guards.