The Town of Whitby has scaled down its 2024 overall budget increase to 4.9 per cent from the staff recommendation of 6.5 per cent.
It has also lowered the rise in its own portion of the overall tax bill to 1.7 per cent. Early December, Whitby announced staff had recommended a 2.3 per cent residential tax bill increase.
Whitby had a 2 per cent tax increase in 2023.
Clarington has announced a 1.5 per cent increase in municipal property tax, while Oshawa has proposed 3.89 per cent rise (see below).
Whitby’s proposed 2024 budget is now available on ConnectWhitby.ca/Budget.
“This proposed budget reflects a 4.9 per cent budget increase to maintain essential service delivery and plan for growth. A 4.9 per cent budget increase equates to a 1.7 per cent tax bill increase or an increase of approximately 0.28 cents per day, per household for the delivery of important services residents rely on every day, like waste collection, snow clearing, and parks maintenance,” said a town statement.
The 2024 Budget Highlights publication, which features the town’s key accomplishments in 2023 and top priorities for 2024, is also available online.
The town said as an important part of the budget process, residents are invited to take part in the following upcoming opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed budget:
- Virtual 2024 Budget Forum open now through February 7 at online at ConnectWhitby.ca/Budget
- Budget Public Meeting on February 5 at 7 pm at Whitby Council Chambers or online at whitby.ca/CouncilCalendar
- Council consideration and approval on February 15.