Markham OK's 2.5% tax hike, new stormwater fee


Yorkregion.com
April 1, 2015
By Laura Finney

Markham council has approved the city’s 2015 budget and a tax increase of 2.5 per cent.

The announcement was made earlier today at a press conference held by the city, after a few April Fool’s jokes.

“I felt a little anxious about announcing our budget on April Fool’s Day, but this is no joke,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “It is actually very good news that we are having another very low tax increase.”

The $426.52 million budget was approved during last night’s council meeting and includes an operating budget of $185.9 million, a capital budget of $102.16 million, a library budget of $13.4 million, a waterworks budget of $101.75 million and a building, planning and engineering budget of $23.63 million.

“I think this council has passed its first test as a brand new council in terms of fiscal management,” Scarpitti said. “They have worked very hard on this year’s budget to keep our tax increase low.”

The budget includes a 2.3 per cent tax rate increase to cover daily operations and a 0.16 per cent increase for continuing costs associated with the December 2013 ice storm.

The increased rate will add about $27.50 for the average residential household tax bill.

This increase is the lowest in York Region, and according to the publication Novae Res Urbis, and other public reports, Markham’s seven-year tax increase of 7.99 per cent is the lowest among 27 GTA communities.

Scarpitti said the town’s E3 program has helped achieve $20 million in savings since 2009 by finding greater efficiencies and new revenue sources.

The new budget is a result of many meetings and discussions by city staff and the budget committee.

“Markham Council has approved a fiscally responsible budget that keeps taxes low while providing new and important community infrastructure, and world class facilities” said Councillor Logan Kanapathi, budget chief councilor. “We’re investing in new infrastructure, an expanded multi-use pathway system and 14 additional parks. This budget will help keep Markham thriving and ensure a safe and vibrant community for residents.”

Markham collects property taxes on behalf of York Region and the Province of Ontario for education. For every dollar collected by the city, about 25 cents goes to Markham, 24 cents to the province and 50 cents to the region.

Additionally a $47 storm water fee will be added to each tax bill.

This annual fee, which is being introduced this year, is a 30-year initiative to help limit flooding risks in urban areas and improve storm drainage.