We have a budget for 2021.
Milton’s Councillors approved next year’s budget on Monday night.
There will be an investment of $56.2 million in capital projects and $147.4 million through the operating budget to deliver programs and services to Milton’s growing community.
The Regional Councillor for Milton’s Ward 1, Colin Best, says it’s a fair increase when you consider the projects taking place next year.
Milton’s portion of the property tax bill will increase by 3.94%. With that, the average overall household property tax bill will increase in 2021 by an estimated 2.19%, or $14.67 per $100,000 of residential assessment.
Councillor Best says they wanted to make sure the increase was less than 5%.
In a statement released by the Town of Milton, Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz commends staff for working hard on creating a budget that reflects the hard year that has passed.
“This year, Council and staff set out to develop a shared long term vision for Milton by identifying priorities within the Council Staff Work Plan. Staff have worked hard to prepare a budget for Council that delivers on those priorities, while balancing taxpayer affordability. This balance is evident as Milton continues to maintain one of the most affordable property tax rates in Ontario.”
The Town says the 2021 budget themes include investment and focus in:
- Customer service
- Modernization of services
- Environmental and financial sustainability
- Economic development
- Asset management
It adds that resident feedback has led to a $56.2 million investment in “new infrastructure to support the Town’s growth and expansion, as well as the rehabilitation and replacement of existing infrastructure.”
The Town of Milton’s Chief Administrative Officer, Andrew Siltala, says they didn’t want taxpayers to be significantly impacted by this new budget.
“The Town strives to incorporate financial strategies that do not directly impact our taxpayer through leveraging additional funding sources to pay for new or rehabilitated infrastructure such as development charges and grants. Additionally, Council and staff priorities include identifying sustainable new revenue streams and remaining competitive to attract various sectors to Milton to balance the tax base.”
To read up on the 2021 Town of Milton Budget, click here.
