City council approves 3.55 per cent tax increase over 2014
Guelph, ON, March 26, 2015 – Earlier this morning, Guelph City Council approved a $207 million operating budget and a $52 million capital budget for 2015. This represents a 3.55 per cent tax increase over 2014; an average increase of $114 per household based on a home valued at $301,770. Combined with changes to Guelph’s water and wastewater rates, the impact on an average household is roughly $145 in 2015.
“The 2015 budget reinforces the City’s commitment to serving our community and delivering public service better,” says Ann Pappert, Guelph’s chief administrative officer. “This budget positions us to maintain existing infrastructure, systems and programs for the community to enjoy. It allows us to deliver exceptional service by adding resources where they are needed most, and it responds to the community’s needs.”
The 2015 budget balances affordability and predictability with excellent service and value for taxpayers. Recognizing the need to enhance services to meet the changing needs of the community, the 2015 Budget focuses on improving and building on work already underway such as the expansion of two-way GO service, active transportation (Woodlawn multi-use corridor) and continued work on the transit technology plan. The budget provides room for the City to expand services to the community through additional emergency services personnel.
During the meeting Council also approved operating and capital budgets for all Local Boards and Shared Services—Guelph Police Service, Guelph Public Library, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health and the Downtown Guelph Business Association. Combined, these budgets use approximately 36 per cent of the City’s tax revenues collected through property taxes.
On January 28, City Council approved non-tax-supported operating and capital budgets for Guelph’s Water and Wastewater Services, Ontario Building Code Administration and Provincial Offences Court Administration.
Guelph’s approved 2015 budget will be compiled and published on guelph.ca/budget in the coming months.