Vaughan’s 2019 budget rises to $310M

Yorkergion.com
Feb. 27, 2019
Dina Al-Shibeeb

The City of Vaughan has passed its 2019 budget, which means residents in a property valued at $891,000 will pay an extra $53.

The city agreed on the 3-per-cent tax increase to cover the $310 million budget.

While the property tax bill may come in a City of Vaughan envelope, the amount collected is divided between the city at around 28 per cent, York Region at 48 per cent, the York Region English and French school boards for education at 23 per cent and the Hospital Precinct Levy at 1 per cent.

When asked about where the 2019 capital budget, approximately $166 million, is heading, the City said: “Investments from the capital budget help the city grow in a sustainable manner.”

“These funds are investments that go toward building and repairing city infrastructure, including roads, pipes and buildings. An example of this is replacing the watermain along Major Mackenzie Drive, which will continue to provide safe drinking water to our community.”

The city also said the “funding for approved 2019 capital projects are approximately $20 million more than what was approved for 2018.”

The city said there is more focus on more of a property tax-supported operating budget as well as water/wastewater/stormwater charge-supported operating budget after it listened to resident input during a series of meetings.

Meanwhile, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua said Vaughan has saved nearly $30 million in tax dollars.

According to the 2018 citizen satisfaction survey, the mayor said about “97 per cent of residents enjoy their quality of life in Vaughan, while 91 per cent are satisfied with the excellent public services we deliver each day.”

“The 2019 budget and 2020-2022 financial plan is the manifestation of our collective efforts concentrated on the goal of making our city the best it can be. As we undertake this term of council, we see a Vaughan that is a nationally acclaimed leader in city building.”

Here are some quick facts about the budget:

• The 2019 property tax increase is 3 per cent, which is an increase of approximately $53 per year for an average residential property assessed at $891,000 or $7 per year for a commercial property assessed at $100,000.
• The city’s operating and capital budget has two distinct components: property tax-supported budget and water, wastewater rate and stormwater charge-supported budget.
• The 2019 property tax-supported operating budget is approximately $310 million in gross expenditures.
• The water and wastewater rate and the stormwater charge-supported operating budget for 2019 is approximately $180 million in gross expenditures.
• The stormwater charge has funded more than 300 initiatives.
• The 2019 capital budget is approximately $166 million.

Where do taxes go?

• Average residential tax bill (based on average assessment value of $891,000):
• York Region, 48 per cent ($3,124)
• City of Vaughan, 28 per cent ($1,837)
• Local School Boards, 23 per cent ($1,515)
• Hospital Precinct Levy, 1 per cent ($66)
• Commercial tax bill (based on assessment value of $100,000):
• Local School Boards, 58 per cent ($966)
• York Region, 26 per cent ($432)
• City of Vaughan, 16 per cent ($263)