On February 16, 2023, Huntsville’s general committee approved the 2023 consolidated budget which will be forwarded to Huntsville council for final approval at its February 27 meeting.
The budget calls for a levy increase of $1,361,124 in capital and operational expenditures over 2022, and a tax hike of 5.29 per cent. That’s an increase of $63 on a home assessed at $300,000 or a $21 increase per $100,000 of assessment, according to the Town.
“Factoring in general upper tier and educational levies, it is expected that the overall impact to the tax bill will be approximately 3.44% higher than 2022,” reads a media release issued by the Town last night.
In addition to the Town of Huntsville’s tax levy, the municipality has stated that it plans to raise $230,000 this year through taxation towards the local share of the new hospital builds. The $230,000 represents an additional tax increase of 1.26 per cent (down from 1.29% previously calculated by the Town) that when coupled with taxation for municipal operations represents a 6.55 per cent tax increase over 2022.
“Recognizing the challenges we all face with inflation, rising interest rates and COVID-19 recovery, bringing forward a budget that balances affordability and strategic investment is important. The 2023 budget reflects fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency to support community wellbeing,” stated Huntsville CAO Denise Corry.
The 2023 budget supports current service levels and the addition of new committees such as Active Transportation and Public Transit, Community Services Master Plan, Waterfront Strategy as well as Environment and Climate Change, which will help support future council decisions, adds the release.
“The 2023 Budget supports the services our community requires now and the growth that is forecast in our future. We have made critical strategic plans which include the creation of new committees that will focus on enhancing the quality of life for our residents and future generations. Our infrastructure plans focus on renewal of our assets as well as setting strategy for future sustainability. I am very proud of the work Committee and Staff have done on the development of the 2023 Budget, which sets the foundation for a vital and healthy community,” notes Huntsville Mayor, Nancy Alcock.
Members of the public are welcome to watch the Regular Council Meeting in person or online at Huntsville.ca on February 27, 2023, when the budget will be formally considered for approval. For meeting agenda details visit Huntsville.ca for full details.
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Hope this is published, as my last comment about “rules” on “a petition for infrastructure” article wasn’t?
I agree with Mr. Mclaughlin on the line by line budget inspection with an eye to ‘0’% increase. It has been done in Huntsville before. These are times of due diligence in local government, given broader scandals surfacing from the last 4+years. It’s prudent to look at all taxes “with a hammer” to nail down necessity vs. ‘whims’ of bureaucrats. To ‘widdle’ the absolute needs of local gov’s purpose: good governance in roads, maintenance, resident’s neighbourly protections, public accessibility and “some mandatory” services: ie., gathering places, halls, snow plowing, road repairs, keeping bylaws relevant, ‘live’ customer service that produce results.
Put another way, having a focused eye for private Divestiture of all ‘nice to do’ budget line items: ie., tourism, excess Human human resources , unnecessary fundraising for big ticket items. These are places to start hewing the wood and boning back.
The only way to critique the budget is, by looking at: the individual line items, which ones are new, changes from previous budgets & why. There definitely should be a cap on the bottom line, but only focusing on it, does not allow for much meaningful dialogue.
Some new initiatives, just might not fit in this years budget or have to be scaled back in their first year.
In previous years, some councils have put forward tiny increases, which is also unrealistic and unsustainable.
The Zero Based Budget concept can uncover many opportunities for cutting costs. Preparing workable budgets is a difficult process, involving lots of compromises. Make sure the increases this year, are either; beyond our control, or items we can’t do without.
Bill Beatty, there was a 16% municipal tax increase in 1997-98 as Huntsville dealt with coming out of the 1990’s recession and downloading of costs from the provincial government. As inflation sits at the highest level since the the 1970’s, this time inflation seems to be the factor with this budget, as currently inflation sits at around 6%, and we all know how inflation has made every aspect of our lives cost more.
I agree with Mr Ficzere, this is fiscal mismanagement. I would further add it appears this mathematically challenged council is tone deaf. It demonstrates a complete disregard for the promises made in the very recent election to combat the #1 issue they all ran on, affordable housing. While it’s laughable they are quoting net increases on a $300,000 home…of which there are none in Huntsville…what’s not laughable is that 100% of any tax increases will be passed on to the renters who can ill afford it and also drive home ownership further away from first time buyers.
And yes Mr Beatty, it’s inflationary to boot so tack that on to your grocery bill Huntsville. Perhaps a consultation with the council in Gravenhurst who kept their increase to 2.5% is in order.
A 5.29 percent tax increase is fiscal mis management and as a tax payer not acceptable. Perhaps instead of always adding to the operating costs for new initiatives you find reductions in current operating budgets to fund your new initiatives. It is difficult to cut services as well but perhaps you need to make the hard decisions as leaders. You took the easy path spending “other people’s money”. A tax increase at this level is not sustainable so you need to determine how to have the town live “within its means” and not think a significant increase like this is ok. Fiscally this is a fail for performance.
Don’t think the word ” affordability ” fits with a 5.29% tax increase. Correct Me if I’m wrong , and I’m sure You will , but this quite probably the largest municipal tax increase in over 25 years ! Inflationary ?……..I think so.