Aurora looks at 2.9 per cent tax hike in each of next 3 years

Town's portion of property tax bill set to jump $68 in 2020

Yorkregion.com
November 18, 2019
Lisa Queen

Three things to know about Aurora’s budget:

Councillors are looking at a proposed tax increase of 2.9 per cent, which would work out to $68 on the average tax bill for a house assessed at $800,000. If approved, that would bring the town’s portion of the average property tax bill to $2,407. This is the first time the town is bringing in a multi-year budget. Tax increases of 2.9 per cent are also forecast for 2021 and 2022. The town’s portion of the property tax bill is expected to increase by $70 in 2021 and $72 in 2022. The tax hikes represent the town’s commitment to keep tax increases at no more than the rate of inflation, plus a one per cent increase for fiscal strategy initiatives.

No programs or services are being cut, but the town is looking to keep up with the demand for services as the community grows. Some of the highlights of the proposed budget include increasing community programming staff to better support participants with special needs, implementing an IT strategic plan to increase efficiency and service delivery to residents, implementing touch pad registration for programs at recreation facilities, exploring a green fleet option for town vehicles. The budget will also develop Phase 2 of the Wildlife Park north of Wellington Street -- between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street -- within the East Aurora Wetland Complex, implement a new streetscape plan for downtown, and plan a five-year review of the official plan and finalizing the community energy plan. Early in 2020, the town plans to break ground on Library Square, which will include a multi-performance hall, dance and art studios and café to the existing historical building at 22 Church St.

It’s not too late to find out about the budget. On Nov. 18 at 6 p.m., the budget committee will start its review of the three-year budget. The Aurora Public Library board will present its three-year business plan, followed by each of the town’s departments. There are also budget meetings on Nov. 25, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. The budget is expected to be approved Dec. 10 at a 7 p.m. All meetings are in the council chambers