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5 things to know about Georgina's 2020 draft budget

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 1, 2019
Amanda Persico

How much it will cost you?
The proposed tax rate increase is 2.9 per cent, which amounts to about $58 a year based on the average assessed home value of about $403,000.

The town is also looking at adding a 1 per cent tax levy dedicated the town’s reserves, bringing the total proposed tax rate to 3.9 per cent, which amounts to an additional $78 a year based on the average home value.

And the town’s proposed water and wastewater rate of about 6.9 per cent could add about $24 to your bill.

In addition, the region is expecting to pass a tax increase of about 2.96 per cent in each of the next three years.

What it costs to run the town?
The town’s 2020 operating budget is about $77 million, of which about $44.8 million is funded from the tax levy. That means about $15.6 million of the budget is funded from water and wastewater rates and the rest from other revenue sources such as development and user fees, grants and reserves.

Some of the town’s largest expenses include: $35.7 million on salaries and other staffing expenses; $1.98 million on hydro, gas and sewer charges; $6.6 million on consulting services; $8.6 million on fire services; and $1.2 million on winter maintenance.

What the budget includes?
Along with major capital projects such as cash flow funding for the Multi-Use Recreation Centre and the new Civic Centre, as well as roads, bridges and parks, the town’s budget also includes a laundry list of smaller items you might not know about.

What got the axe?
Several expenses are on the chopping block including: