Statement on City of Vaughan 2017 budget
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua has issued the following statement.
The
City of Vaughan’s 2017 budget is a reflection of our commitment to continue to
meet the needs of our growing community and build upon the strong fiscal
foundation we have established. With a focus on citizens, we have developed a
comprehensive plan that respects your hard-earned tax dollars while delivering excellence
in programs and services.
Vaughan
continues to have one of the lowest tax rates in the GTA and our residents get
great value for their money. The City receives 28 per cent of the total
residential property tax bill, with the rest going to York Region and the
Province of Ontario. And yet, when compared to the average monthly household
spending on items such as gas, cable and internet, hydro, and car insurance –
Vaughan citizens pay less per month for the more than 200 City services they
receive.
In
2015, I tabled a motion to keep property tax increases to no more than three
per cent each year for this term, which was fully supported by all Members of Council.
I am proud to say that we have kept that promise for 2017. This budget
reinforces our dedication to fiscal responsibility and includes $3.3 million in
savings, while committing $260 million for 369 projects that will contribute to
city-building and our growth requirements for the future.
Our
City’s annual budget is $391 million and includes $114 million for investment
and renewal of our infrastructure and assets. This includes $2.5 million for re-establishing
our urban tree canopy, $9.5 million for improving the municipal road network
and developing options to help people get around the City and, $9.7 million to
support arts, culture, heritage and sports in the community.
Once
again this year we reached out to you for your thoughts and comments on our
draft budget, and you responded by attending the public meetings and providing
valuable feedback throughout the year. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude
to everyone – we appreciate your contributions.
Vaughan’s
transformation continues and this budget reflects our goal of moving the city
forward while also delivering services more effectively and efficiently. It builds
upon the strong fiscal foundation we have created for our growing community.
Our goal is to continue to pursue opportunities that will take Vaughan to a
higher level and achieve our goal of building a world-class city.