Backed by a two percent property tax increase, Vaughan’s proposed 2022 budget includes $ 333.2 million in operating costs, the city said in a press release on Dec. 1.
In 2021, Vaughan had a property tax-backed budget of $ 318 million, but saw no tax increases to reduce the financial impact of COVID-19 on families.
The Vaughan Council and Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, meanwhile, continued to reiterate their promise to keep the city’s property tax low.
“With this proposed budget, Vaughan will maintain one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the greater Toronto area,” the city said.
The city also explained that 28 cents of every property tax dollar goes to Vaughan to use and provide its services, but most of the 49 cents goes to the York region, while 22 cents goes to school boards. local, and a penny is programmed for the hospital compound fee.
“In the context of the average annual property tax bill of $ 6,000, only $ 1,676 stays in the city,” he said.
There is also a proposed increase for the combined water and wastewater rate in 2022, and it is $ 0.1551 per cubic meter, or 3.3 percent. The proposed increase for the 2022 stormwater charge is an average of 4.5 percent.
The city’s water, wastewater, and stormwater budgets fund programs that ensure city water is safe to drink and help collect wastewater effectively, manage stormwater to mitigate flooding, and save for future water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needs.
The statement also said that Vaughan’s capital budget was also presented with proposed projects for 2022 and a capital plan planned through 2026 with investments of $ 271.8 million in 2022 to help the city sustainably grow and build. and repair infrastructure, including roads, pipelines, and buildings.
The city also presented its Capital Plan 2026.
Here are the numbers to know about the budget and plan for a variety of major infrastructure projects from 2022 to 2026:
• $ 325.8 million in capital projects related to transportation and mobility. Some major planned projects include the reconstruction of Huntington Road, the Kirby Road extension, and the development of the Vaughan Super Trail. This will also include rehabilitation projects throughout the township and the construction of a series of highway extensions within the Vaughan Metropolitan Center (VMC) and the Bass Pro Mills Drive extension.
• $ 291.2 million in capital projects related to environmental management. The two largest projects are the Black Creek canal renovation and stormwater management improvements at various locations in the city, accounting for 54 percent of the capital plan.
• $ 208.4 million for capital projects related to active, safe and diverse communities. This will include facilities and programs that will help enrich Vaughan communities, including the new Vaughan Metropolitan Center YMCA, library and recreation space, which is currently under construction and expected to open in 2022; a citywide pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure implementation program; and a playground replacement and improvement program.
• $ 190.8 million in capital projects related to city construction. This includes the design and construction of the new Carrville Community Center, District Park, and Library.
• $ 127.3 million in capital projects related to operating performance. The city will use data-driven decision making to promote innovation.
• $ 78 million for capital projects related to the citizen experience. This includes programs that demonstrate commitment to citizen service and transform services through technology.
• $ 1.7 million in capital projects related to good governance by ensuring transparency and accountability.
• $ 200,000 in capital projects for staff participation and to improve their performance.
• $ 400,000 in capital projects for economic prosperity and investment and equity capital in 2021. This aims to create new jobs and attract new investment.
Residents are encouraged to attend the next two budget meetings scheduled for Tuesday, December 7 and Thursday, December 9, both at 7 p.m.
Reference-www.thestar.com