Brant County residents will be paying a few hundred dollars more in property taxes after county approved the 2024 budget this week with an 8.7 per cent tax increase.
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That will translate to about $300 more in taxes for owners of a middle-value home.
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“I understand the concerns raised by our residents regarding the 8.7 per cent tax increase for the coming year,” said Mayor David Bailey in a news release on Wednesday.
“We have thoroughly reviewed our budgetary needs and have made difficult decisions to ensure essential services are maintained and investments are made in our community’s future.”
Bailey said the increase must happen in order to address the infrastructure projects, rising operational costs and other “unavoidable expenditures.”
“We are committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency throughout this process and will continue to work diligently to provide the best value for our taxpayers while ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the County of Brant.”
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Last year’s tax increase was 5.8 per cent, hiking taxes by about $185 for the median home.
Bailey said in 2023 that inflation had pushed up the costs for all salaries, fuel, materials, contracts and services and the boom in growth across much of Brant meant the county was spending more on infrastructure like roads, water services and sidewalks.
This year, the mayor noted the county is committed to both addressing the needs and priorities of residents while fostering continued growth and prosperity in Brant.
“The County of Brant is not alone in the challenges that we are facing,” he said. “Communities across the county are also seeing considerable increases.”
The 2024 budget calls for:
- A $4-million investment towards the expansion of the Biggars Lane landfill to ensure future capacity;
- A $3-million increase in tax-supported capital works which will help fund roads and bridge improvements, recreation facilities updates, emergency services facility and parks and trails upgrades;
- About $3 million set aside for inflationary costs that are affecting almost everything:
- And a $1 million investment in public transportation through Brant Transit.
The county asked residents to weigh in on the budget process through the Engage Brant website by looking at budget details and asking questions or making comments.
Almost 800 visits were made to the page and 23 residents engaged by reaching out to staff.
The budget can be seen at www.EngageBrant.ca/Budget2024.
@EXPSGamble
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