Mayor Bevilacqua: Vaughan receives prestigious budgeting award for 13th consecutive year

The following statement was issued by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua after a special presentation during the Dec. 1 Special Committee of the Whole (Budget) meeting:

"I am pleased to announce the City of Vaughan has received the 2021 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. This award is presented to governments that prepare and issue budget documents of the highest quality and standards and is the most prestigious award in government budgeting.

"It is essential for citizens to be fully informed of the City's policies, corporate initiatives and financial plans. High-quality budget documents contribute to better decision-making and enhanced accountability. We can all take pride in knowing that this is the 13th consecutive year the City has received this prestigious recognition. 

"Our long-standing track record is a testament to the City's sound approach to public finances and commitment to open, accountable and transparent governance. These values are fundamental to our ongoing success and have positioned Vaughan as a municipal leader in financial management in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

"The City's 2022 Budget and 2023 to 2026 Capital Plan are rooted in fiscal sustainability and serve to secure greater efficiencies and maximize every dollar we are entrusted to manage. They are the manifestations of our combined efforts focused on the ultimate goal of making Vaughan the place to be. By working together, we are achieving excellence.

"Vaughan proudly maintains one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area. The City of Vaughan has passed budgets with a property tax rate at or below three per cent for the last eleven years – and our efforts are being recognized. Recently, the Toronto Star published an article with the headline, "Vaughan tops the list of the least expensive cities for residential property taxes." This demonstrates our ability to be fiscally responsible while providing value for citizens' hard-earned tax dollars.

"As we continue to navigate the universal challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the City's 2022 Budget will guide our recovery efforts and prioritize our investments to ensure Vaughan's continued success.

"I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the Financial Planning and Development Finance team, the Financial Services department, the Office of Transformation and Strategy and the Corporate and Strategic Communications departments for their hard work and dedication to sound financial planning. Thank you for your fiscal leadership, and congratulations on receiving this coveted award.”

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