This story has been updated. Council decided to cap increases at 4.99% despite an initial suggestion of 4.95%.
At its September 9 council meeting, Huntsville Councillors instructed municipal staff to formulate draft budgets that would result in a net tax increase of no more than 4.99 per cent.
Councillors were responding to a report which would direct staff to formulate draft budgets for the next two years resulting in net tax increase of anywhere between 2.7% (the rate of CPI-trim as per Stats Can) and 5.4%.
Julia McKenzie, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer, noted that the municipality’s budget guideline does not contemplate the formulation of multiple-year budgets, and while the rate of core inflation is not known for 2026, she suggested the budget parameters remain the same for both years.
“As per the Municipal Act, Section 291, municipalities can pass a multi-year budget from two to five years. The intent would be that staff would prepare the budget for both years for council’s approval and the second year of the multi-year budget council would still review it later in 2025,” noted McKenzie.
Councillor Scott Morrison proposed that the ceiling of the possible tax increases be set at 4.95% instead of 5.4%. “I think that this is the year that we gotta give the taxpayers a bit of a break, and we have to set the tone that we’re going to do our very best to make this number as low as possible.”
He said the previous increases set the municipality for success, but now he’s hearing even from landlords who “are having trouble keeping rents low because taxes keep going up. If we look at north of 5 per cent, it’s going to get passed on to tenants. It’s going to be harder for affordable housing and it’s going to not have a good effect in the end.”
Councillor Cory Clarke said no matter what the budget guidelines are, “I’m going to tell you right now, I’m not going to… vote for an increase over five per cent when the time comes to approve the consolidated budget.”
Councillor Monty Clouthier said people were upset with the last increase (an increase of 10.68 per cent in 2024) but noted that taxes pay for services.
In the end, council agreed to set the cap at 4.99%.
The municipality has launched a community survey to gather input from residents on budget priorities, which staff said will be considered during the budget process. The survey is open until September 30, 2024. You can find the survey by clicking HERE.
Related:
Town of Huntsville to prepare a two-year budget and conduct survey
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Mac Redden says
Funny how “Huntsville residents headed for a 10.68% tax hike” was fine for 2024 and suddenly less than half that is not, now. Far higher than Gravenhurst or Bracebridge.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/huntsville-committee-approves-a-tax-increase-of-10-68-for-2024/
The previous, unaffordable 10.68% increase should have been in this article for context.
Budgets and value for money are just suggestions in Muskoka. Often ignored.
Drunken sailors are thriftier.
$630K just to install two donated toilets? Seriously? Entire homes are cheaper.
Just one item on the very long, unbudgeted list.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/huntsville-council/
$400K to turn green, inviting, Kent Park into a barren, sweltering, tombstone, eyesore Kent Quarry?
That mistake has still not been corrected.
Shirley Campbell says
You hit us hard last year. How about a zero tax increase the next two years?
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
A little late. Last years tax hike was so high in the middle of money crisis. Now you want a hug and a thankyou????? Not from me. Too little too late.
Bill Beatty says
Finally headed in the right direction but should have been 3% .If there indeed is such a thing as “affordable housing ” , it doesn’t exist in New builds for people with incomes under $60,000 who are faced with existing high interest mortgage rate loans . Increased taxes are just another blow to home ownership when combined with ever increasing utility rate increases . Gov’t needs to do more with less and stick to needs not wants !
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Bill Beatty for mayor!!!! (But seriously Bill we need you back)!