Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Burlington is calling the 2024 budget a “needs-to-have” strategy.
“We understand these are difficult times for everyone with increased living and housing costs,” Mayor Marianne Meed-Ward said in a news release. “Council made difficult budget decisions, listening to those in the community and trying to balance the asks to cut City services to reduce taxes and the calls to increase taxes to maintain or enhance services.
“This budget plans for the short and long term to ensure we are investing in infrastructure and the services our residents expect.
Burlington’s “needs-to-have” budget focuses on essentials, frontline services, and planning for growth.
“The city is not immune to inflation, and the construction price index has gone up 41 per cent since 2017. That makes existing and future contracts more expensive, as we strive to keep Burlington in a state of good repair,” Ward said.
Council also approved an $88-million capital budget for next year.
“Tax increases are not easy, particularly at a time when many are struggling to meet day-to-day costs. To respond to these concerns, Council tripled our investment in the City’s property tax rebate program, and asked staff to review income and age eligibility beyond seniors, so all low-income homeowners can be eligible. We will get further information on a new program in the New Year.”
While they recognize the financial struggles impacting families, councillors said cutting to reduce this year’s tax increase “would be a disservice and for some city services, such as road repair, would cost up to 10 times more if they are not made early enough.
“This budget continues to build on investments in capital and services our community has asked for and needs, and will serve to improve Burlington today and into the future,” Meed said.