Aurora property owners will have to shell out an extra $81 in 2017

YorkRegion.com
Dec. 19, 2016
Teresa Latchford

Aurora residents will pay an additional $81 in property taxes next year.

Town council has approved its 2017 budget with a 3.1 per cent increase on the tax levy, meaning the average home assessed at $770,000 will pay an additional $81. Town staff and members of council were able to achieve the budget target of inflation, 2.1 per cent with the addition of 1 per cent for reserves.

“We are grateful for the feedback of our residents throughout this process and are happy to say that their voices were heard,” Mayor Geoff Dawe said. “Citizen participation in the budget process is critical.”

The operating budget was approved at $60.8 million with an $18.2 million capital budget to rehabilitate roads, waterlines, town facilities and other town-owned assets.

In addition, the budget highlights the introduction of an economic development position, funding to support museum enhancements and creation of an online exhibit, activities to celebrate the 150th birthday of Town Park, increases to animal control service levels, funding the annual Multicultural Festival and financial support for the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

The town portion of the tax increase will support the town, Aurora Public Library, Central York Fire Services and contributions to infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement. When this portion is combined with York Region and the school board tax levy, residents are looking at a 2.4 per cent increase overall, about $168 on the average residential tax bill.

“Council gave staff clear direction in what our expectations were in terms of a tax increase and the end result is a budget that meets those expectations and allows us to plan ahead for the future,” Councillor Michael Thompson, chair of the Finance Advisory Committee said. “The committee looks forward to continuing our work with staff as we begin the process of multi-year budgeting.”

The full budget is available at aurora.ca.

SIDEBAR

Where does the money go from a tax dollar?

• 24 cents to fire services
• 19 cents to facilities
• 11 cents to asset rehabilitation and replacement
• 9 cents to the Aurora Public Library
• 9 cents to parks, trails and open space
• 8 cents to road network operations
• 6 cents to snow management
• 6 cents to solid waste management
• 3 cents to community programs
• 2 cents to culture
• 2 cents to enforcement and licensing
• 1 cent to animal control