Whitby residents to pay $8.90 more each month

Whitby Town Council last night approved the recommended proposed budget target, which represents a 1.99 per cent increase on the total residential bill for town services or $8.90 per month per household*.

The proposed 2020 budget target focuses on delivering the services residents rely on every day, while also preparing the community for future growth, said a town statement.

The 2020 Budget Target Report is available online at whitby.ca/budget. Next steps are:

• February 3: Proposed budget for 2020 released online at whitby.ca/budget
• February 18: Public meeting for community input on proposed budget for 2020
• February 24: Special Council Meeting for final approval of the proposed budget for 2020

To participate in the process and speak at council meetings, visit whitby.ca/delegation. For comments or questions about the budget, contact the Corporate Services Department at treasury@whitby.ca or by phone at 905.430.4300 x2232.

“This proposed budget target will enable the town to invest in the programs and services that touch our residents every day, like roads, parks and facilities. It also takes into consideration how the town is planning ahead. Over the next 12 years, the town anticipates population growth of over 40 per cent; we need to be ready with the space and infrastructure we need for future generations of Whitby residents,” said Matthew Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Whitby.

Quick Facts

• Roads, recreation and parks represent the highest capital investments in the proposed 2020 budget.
• Only 9 per cent of all taxes the average household pays are property taxes and only 3 per cent of the taxes you pay go to the Town of Whitby.
• The Town’s portion of the total property tax bill is 34 per cent. The Town is responsible for collecting property taxes on behalf of the Region of Durham and the School Boards.
• More than 80 per cent of participants in the Town’s 2018 Community Survey reported that they felt they are getting “good” or “very good” value for their tax dollars. The next survey will be in the spring of 2020.

* Based on the 2019 average assessment value of $470,000 as identified by MPAC Property Notice Assessment