2025 Budget By-law consideration with proposed 4% increase on January 14, 2025, meeting

Notice is hereby given that Council will consider a by-law to adopt the 2025 budget on January 14, 2025, at its regular 6:00 p.m. meeting in Town Hall Council Chambers (175 Queen St. E).

The draft 2025 budget can be viewed online or in person at the Municipal Operation Centre (408 James St. S).

The budget calls for an additional $605,062 (4%) to be raised through property taxes in 2025. For an average residential taxpayer, with a median assessed value of $264,000, this corresponds to an increase of $144 per year. Water and sewer bills will increase by 3.19% or $29 annually for the average residential household. Wheelie Bin fees will increase by 4%.

For an average residential taxpayer, this is an increase of $144 per year, adjusted for assessment growth. This may change pending the final Library budget and 2024 assessment growth data.

The 2025 operating and capital budget requires a total property tax levy of $15,727,772, balancing service levels with cost control. The Town continues to invest in long-term capital and infrastructure and uphold commitments to community outreach and housing supports.

The capital budget includes over $5 million for projects like reconstructing Elgin St. E, replacing water and sewer systems, public facility upgrades, and lifecycle replacements at the Pyramid Recreation Centre. Renovations to the swimming pool and upgrades to the Sewage Treatment Plant are also expected to be completed within the first half of 2025.

"The proposed budget reflects our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for our residents while remaining fiscally responsible,” says Mayor, Al Strathdee. “By focusing on essential services and infrastructure projects, we are ensuring that our town remains a vibrant and sustainable community for years to come."

Council held open budget meetings to deliberate the budget on October 15, 2024, November 19, 2024 and December 3, 2024, and will consider the final budget by-law on January 14, 2025.

All meetings will be livestreamed on the Town’s YouTube channel and are available for viewing. Anyone may attend the meetings and/or make written or verbal statements about the budget. Written statements can be sent by email to amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Questions
Andre Morin | Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer
519-284-2340, ext. 217 | amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca