Council today received the 2022 draft budget which proposes a zero per cent tax increase, with an option to provide an additional one per cent for capital reserves, for a total increase of one per cent. The Town is able to provide a zero per cent operating increase in 2022 due to an above-average surplus being forecast for fiscal 2021.
The surplus is primarily due to receiving federal and provincial COVID-19 funding to assist with operating pressures, as well as a reduction in recreation service levels in 2021 due to recreation staff being redeployed to support the mass vaccination clinic at the Georgina Ice Palace. The surplus will be contributed to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve and this reserve will now be used to fund the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) program to completion over the next three years. This created a permanent one per cent reduction in the tax levy operating budget, allowing for a zero per cent increase in 2022.
The 2022 draft budget includes –
- $2.3 million investment in roads selective resurfacing, maintenance and rehabilitation
- $1.9 million for water and wastewater infrastructure
- $1.1 million for the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) tree removal program
- $850,000 for a rescue pumper apparatus
- $756,000 towards the Building Condition Assessment (BCA) program, and facilities repairs and remediation program
- $600,000 for the culvert and ditch design and rehabilitation program
- $270,000 for information technology projects
Georgina’s changing environment will continue to present many budgetary and financial challenges related to the impact of COVID-19, proposed growth and long-term financial sustainability. The Town is facing these challenges by relying on the strong fiscal foundation that has been established and by updating several financial strategies. To ensure a sustained economic recovery, the Town has invested in economic recovery strategies including the creation of a dedicated economic recovery team and programs. These new and updated strategies 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.
The draft budget includes feedback from 229 residents who participated in the Your Budget, Your Say online survey. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged with the budget process by reviewing the draft document and providing comment. Feedback may be submitted to your Council Member or by email to budget@georgina.ca
The 2022 draft budget is available online at georgina.ca/budget. Council will deliberate the draft budget on Tuesday, Nov. 30 and Wednesday, Dec. 1. Final approval is scheduled for Dec. 1.