Georgina approves 6.89% tax increase for 2023 -- that's $164 per year for average home

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 31, 2023

Georgina approved its 2023 budget and the tax increase hits you where it hurts -- your wallet.

The 6.89 per cent tax increase amounts to an additional $164 annually for the average assessed, non-waterfront home valued at $448,000, and an additional $267 for the average waterfront home valued at $731,000.

The changing financial environment continues to present many budgetary challenges, said Mayor Margaret Quirk.

“We know inflation has taken a toll on our residents and businesses. Prices have gone up for everything and we understand how hard it is to manage those costs,” she said.

The town’s 2023 budget, set at about $109.9 million, which includes operating expenses as well as several capital projects, reflects a rise in costs and inflation for items such as utilities and supplies, Quirk added.

“It is never easy to raise taxes, but the impact of high inflation will be felt for the foreseeable future,” Quirk said.

“Our infrastructure is aging and we recognize the need for repairs and improvements, and that is why council also approved a two per cent infrastructure levy.”

The town’s 6.89 per cent tax increase includes a 2 per cent infrastructure tax levy for town reserves to help reduce the infrastructure funding gap.

About 38 per cent -- or 31 buildings -- of the 81 town-owned facilities are in poor condition, further signalling the need for infrastructure reserves for future repairs.

The focus for the 2023 budget was to improve service delivery for residents, manage growth and delivery services more effectively and efficiently.

“High inflation has had a significant impact on the town’s operating costs,” said deputy chief administrative officer and town treasurer Rob Wheater.

“In addition, infrastructure delivery costs have significantly increased and are expected to remain high in 2023 due to rising commodity and energy prices.”

Despite the many budgetary and financial challenges, the town has a strong fiscal foundation and strong long-term financial sustainably, Wheater added.

Bill 23 -- the More Homes Built Faster Act -- will have a “significant” impact on the town’s ability to deliver future capital projects as it relates to development charges and parkland dedication for new development.

Georgina also approved its water and wastewater budget, which comes with an additional 5.84 per cent increase on water bills.

The 6.89 per cent tax increase does not include York Region’s tax rate increase.

The region is proposing a 3.9 per cent increase to the regional portion of property tax bills.

The total 2023 property tax rate will be determined in April following approval of York Region’s and the Ministry of Education’s budget as all three levels are funded through property taxes.

Highlights from the 2023 budget include:

• $4 million -- pavement management;
• $2.5 million -- emerald ash borer tree removal program;

• $1.2 million -- Building Condition Assessment program;
• $500,000 -- development tracking solution for applications, approvals, permitting and inspections;

• $400,000 -- streetscape redevelopment on High Street; and
• $150,000 for playground replacements.

The budget also includes funding for school safety zone upgrades, picnic table replacements and park and playground improvements, as well as funding for the Georgina Community Food Pantry, Georgina Chamber of Commerce, Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture, Georgina Military Museum and Routes Transport Group.