The Municipality of Clarington said its overall budget increase is 4.2 per cent while the property tax increase is 1.5 per cent.
However, what makes it confusing is that the budget document released to the public on November 20 says: “The municipality needs to invest in critical infrastructure and increasing service levels in order to respond to the needs of a growing population. To support those investments, while maintaining the financial health of the municipality, this budget proposes a net levy increase of 4.1 per cent per year from 2024 to 2027.”
The 339-page document does mention: “Levy growth was assumed to be 4.10 per cent, while new growth fluctuates over the period. In 2024, growth is assumed to be equal to 1.50 per cent of the 2023 levy, increasing to 1.75 per cent in 2025 and 2.00 per cent in 2026 and 2027. ”
The Town of Whitby, which raised property tax by 2 per cent last year, has proposed a 1.8 per cent increase in tax levy for 2024.
The proposed budget statement asserted that Clarington property taxes are the lowest in the Lakeshore and second lowest in Durham Region for a single-family dwelling.
It said the municipality needs to levy the increased taxes to invest in critical infrastructure and increasing service levels to respond to the needs of a growing population, while maintaining the financial health of the municipality.
Clarington’s population is some 109,400, and is projected to add 221,000 new people and 40,400 new jobs in the next 30 years. This level of growth will require a long-term plan that includes investment in infrastructure and services to meet the needs of a growing community, said the statement.
After yesterday’s public launch, the proposed budget will be presented at a Special General Government Committee Meeting on November 24. On December 4, it will be tabled at a Special Council Meeting, and on December 18, it will be presented at the Clarington Council meeting.
“This is an exciting time in Clarington. This year, we were named the fourth happiest place in all of Canada—and we aim to become number one. This proposed budget is Clarington’s plan to provide families and businesses with the opportunities, services and supports they need to make the most of our municipality’s bright future,” said Mayor Adrian Foster.
Clarington claims to be one of the first municipalities in Ontario to prepare a multi-year budget.
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4.1 % hike comes to ~ 200$ per year for a large number of homes in clarington. I don’t know how $20 came into picture