Town Council votes in favour of 2024 municipal budget

St. Marys Town Council has thrown its support behind the 2024 municipal budget, voting unanimously in favour at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The budget calls for an additional $827,788 (5.88%) to be raised through property taxes in 2024. When adjusted for growth, this will result in a 4.11% ($141) annual property tax increase for a typical residential property. Water and sewer bills will increase by 2.3% or $21 annually for the average residential household.

Public input played a key role in determining how funds should be allocated in 2024. The Town hosted two Coffee with Council events in 2023, which gave residents the opportunity to share their thoughts on the municipal budget.

Housing emerged as one the community’s top concerns through that process. In response, an additional $25,000 has been allocated to the Town’s Community Improvement Plan, which will soon include a new grant for attainable housing projects. $50,000 was also added to support the initiatives of the Town’s Opening Doors housing action plan.  

The budget includes funding for several other projects that will further the Town’s strategic goals. Highlights include:

• Repairs to the HVAC system in the pool area at the Pyramid Recreation Centre
• Reconstruction of Wellington St. S from Park St. to St. Maria St.
• Support for the PC Connect transit system
• Upgraded washrooms and an accessible dock at Milt Dunnell Field
• Additional funding for tree planting and walking trail improvements
• Level 2 EV chargers in the Pyramid Recreation Centre and Jones St. parking lots

“This budget was developed with the rising cost of living in mind,” says Mayor Al Strathdee. “We recognize the financial challenges that our residents are facing and feel confident that this budget that will move the municipality forward in a fiscally responsible way.”

A copy of the 2024 budget is available at townofstmarys.com/budget. Questions about the budget can be directed to Andre Morin, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer at 519-284-2340, ext. 217 or amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca.

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For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca