Georgina approves 2022 budget with infrastructure levy, zero tax increase

$1.1 million included in 2022 budget for Emerald Ash Borer tree removal program

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 9, 2021
Amanda Persico

Georgina council approved its 2022 budget with a zero per cent tax rate increase for residents.

The town is able to provide a zero per cent tax rate increase as a result of an above-average surplus in 2021, federal and provincial COVID-19 funding as well as a reduction in recreation programming in 2021 as recreation staff were deployed to support the mass vaccination clinic at the Georgina Ice Palace.

Mayor Margaret Quirk said, “2021 was the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and while it brought challenges, we were able to remain flexible with the budget.”

The town is keeping with its one per cent infrastructure levy for capital reserves, which amounts to about an additional $21 for the average, non-waterfront, single-family home with an assessed value of $402,900.

“We have a large capital need in our growing community, and council has approved adding a one per cent contribution to capital reserves to ensure the town can continue to deliver its 10-year capital program and reduce the infrastructure funding gap,” Quirk said.

The 2021 surplus will be used to fund the town’s emerald ash borer program over the next three years.

The 2022 budget also included dedicated funding for COVID-19 economic recovery, including creating a dedicated economic recovery team, said the town’s director of corporate services and treasurer, Rob Wheater.

“These will ensure Georgina has the tools in place to address the financial pressures related to COVID-19, economic recovery, proposed growth and long-term financial sustainability,” he said.

Council also approved its 2022 water and wastewater budget, which includes a 5.84 per cent increase on your water bill. That amounts to about an additional $14 on the average quarterly bill.

2022 budget highlights include:

• $2.3 million on roads, resurfacing, maintenance and rehabilitation;
• $1.9 million on water and wastewater infrastructure, including upgrades to public water taps;
• $1.4 million on recreational amenities in Pefferlaw;
• $1.1 million on emerald ash borer tree removal;
• $1 million on the Pefferlaw Dam;
• $850,000 for a pumper fire truck;
• $330,500 for community organizations: Georgina Centre for the Arts and Culture, Chamber of Commerce, farmers market, Military Museum, GTTI and Routes Transportation; and

$90,000 for street light upgrades.