The town of Oakville is seeking public input on its proposed 2025 budget, which includes a 4.84 per cent overall property tax increase.
Mayor Rob Burton presented the budget at a special council meeting last Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, highlighting its "focus on maintaining valued town services and funding critical infrastructure projects."
The budget outlines a six per cent increase for town services, a 5.99 per cent increase for regional services, and no change in education taxes.
If approved on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, the increase would add $308.24 annually, or $5.93 weekly, to the tax bill of an average Oakville homeowner with a property assessed at $800,000, the Town says.
Read more here: Oakville headed to 5 per cent tax increase
Oakville residents are "encouraged to share their feedback", according to town staff, before the budget is finalized. Public delegations will be heard at a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.
Those wishing to speak must email [email protected] by noon on the day of the meeting.
Written feedback can also be submitted by contacting the Mayor at [email protected], respective Councillors, or the town directly at [email protected].
“We thank our community for coming forward with their questions and suggestions to improve the clarity and content of the budget proposal,” said Budget Committee Chair and Town Councillor Marc Grant.
“In this final phase of consultation, we invite further public review of the proposed budget to uphold Oakville’s livability, vibrancy, and sustainability.”
The proposed budget includes large investments in infrastructure, transit, and environmental sustainability including the following:
- $12.5M for Fire Station 4 renovations and expansion
- $17.7M for transit vehicle replacement and refurbishment
- $14.9M for parks, trails, and parkettes
- $4.3M to protect and grow the town’s tree canopy
The budget will undergo review and potential amendments before the final vote during a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.