Owen Sound City Council has passed the 2021 budget which results in a 2.76 per cent increase to the municipal portion of the tax bill. That will result in an overall property tax increase of 1.85 per cent when combined with the estimated regional and educational tax levies. The 2021 increase would see residential property taxes increase by $32.92 per $100,000 of assessment.
The 2021 City of Owen Sound Operating and Capital budget totals $51.9 million invested in City services and infrastructure. In the City’s 2021 Budget, staff recommended a $39 million Operating Budget that will support the delivery of a wide range of programs and services including maintenance of roads and community facilities, fire services, transit, parks and trails, recreational programming, art, and literature, senior services, library services, police services and a host of other important programs and services.
The 2021 Budget includes $12.9 million dedicated to funding Capital projects which support infrastructure renewal, growth, strategic priorities, and community enhancements. Some of the capital projects for 2021 include concrete and asphalt resurfacing on roads and sidewalks, facility roof replacements, ball diamond, and boat launch building upgrades, Downtown River Precinct phase two design and construction, Downtown street greening initiative, and resurfacing the tennis courts at Harrison Park.
“The proposed budget is consistent with Council’s commitment to keeping property taxes in line with inflation,” said Mayor Ian Boddy. “It provides the funds necessary to build and maintain the City’s infrastructure and deliver the services our citizens expect.”
Mayor Boddy notes that the “City favours stability over succumbing to the financial pressures of COVID-19. Despite mounting pressures stemming from COVID – including lost revenue streams and increased safety protocol expenses – staff continue to monitor and adjust effective budgeting to keep the tax increase under three per cent.”
Budgeting for costs incurred due to a pandemic would require an estimated increase to the overall budget that is an additional 3.5 per cent. The City’s stabilized plan helps ensure the longevity of a steady City budget
