Vaughan saves $14 million in 2016 budget process
Council approves plan to support the community now and plan for the future
At a Special Council Meeting last night, Vaughan Council passed the 2016 budget which includes a 2.9 per cent residential tax increase, $14 million in savings and more than 700 capital projects. The budget demonstrates the City of Vaughan’s commitment to putting citizens first through service excellence and delivering high-quality programs and services.
Aligned with this term of Council’s priorities and a refreshed strategic plan, the budget meets Council’s direction to not raise property taxes by more than three per cent in 2016. Next year’s residential property tax increase represents an additional $38 per year or $3.17 per month for the average home in Vaughan assessed at $626,000.
The City’s total budget for 2016 is $345 million and it includes:
- Operating budget of $265 million – delivers services such as recreation, fire and emergency services, waste collection, snow clearing and community centre operation
- Capital budget of $80 million – funds building and repairing City infrastructure, including roads, pipes, parks and buildings
To support City operations and continued growth, the City’s budget includes the following highlights:
- $42.64 million for existing city infrastructure – this includes roads maintenance programs, City facility maintenance and rehabilitation, and parks rehabilitation
- $6.83 million for improving roads – the City will work closely with other levels of government in planning and rehabilitating roads
- $5.78 million for the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre – the City will facilitate the development of Vaughan’s downtown by investing in community improvement plan studies and important city-building initiatives
- $5.29 million for citizen safety – the City will provide a variety of municipal services to keep Vaughan safe, including fire and emergency services, by-law and compliance services, and building inspections
- $4.45 million for environmental sustainability – the City will implement energy conservation improvements, community-based gardens and smart commute programs
- $3.66 million for arts and culture – the City will continue to invest in the City Playhouse Theatre, heritage conservation districts of Kleinburg-Nashville, Maple, Woodbridge and Thornhill, and the new Toronto FC II soccer team
- $3.04 million for tree replacement – the City will continue to replace trees lost to regular life cycles, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation and the 2013 ice storm
- $3.04 million for developing transit, cycling and pedestrian options – this includes creating multi-use paths and pedestrian/bicycle networks, and developing transit and rapid transit options
- Targets completion of 390 open capital projects
- And many other programs and services
Property taxes are the primary source of funding for more than 200 of the City’s programs and services including fire and rescue, waste collection, snow removal and recreation programs.
QUOTE
“By approving the 2016 budget now, we can begin the new year with our fiscal house in order and start work on the many city-building initiatives and projects that will move our City forward. Once again we have delivered on our promise to keep tax increases to no more than three per cent. This budget reinforces our commitment to fiscal responsibility and service excellence, and includes $14 million in savings and hundreds of capital projects that will enhance the quality of life for everyone in our community.
“By approving the 2016 budget now, we can begin the new year with our fiscal house in order and start work on the many city-building initiatives and projects that will move our City forward. Once again we have delivered on our promise to keep tax increases to no more than three per cent. This budget reinforces our commitment to fiscal responsibility and service excellence, and includes $14 million in savings and hundreds of capital projects that will enhance the quality of life for everyone in our community.
I would like to thank the many citizens who participated in the budget process this year. More people than ever came out to our public meetings or participated online or by phone, and provided valuable feedback and ideas. We remain committed to respecting taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars while continuing to provide the programs and services to keep our community safe, strong and ready for the future.”
– Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Citizen engagement is important to the budget process and residents were given a variety of opportunities to be involved, including public meetings, social media outreach, and a new online feedback form and phone line.
- Residential property taxes are split between Vaughan (28 per cent), York Region (48 per cent) and the Province of Ontario (23 per cent for education).
- Commercial property taxes will increase by 2.9 per cent, which means commercial property will increase by $7.33 annually and industrial property will increase by $8.61 annually for each $100,000 of property assessment.
- The Finance, Administration and Audit Committee appoints a different chair from among its members at least once a year. Regional Councillor Gino Rosati served as chair during 2015. Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca will serve as chair during 2016.
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