The Town of Aurora’s Budget 2025 has been adopted as presented, with a 2.5 per cent increase plus 1 per cent for capital and asset management.
I want to thank the councillors who took the time over the past six months to meet with myself and staff to discuss priorities that are important to their wards. I also want to thank those Councillors that took the time to thoroughly review Budget 2025, and participated in robust and healthy discussions, during the Budget Review Process that took place throughout November.
Per the budget process, members of council had the opportunity to put forward amendments to Budget 2025 prior to final adoption. At the final budget meeting on Monday, November 25, 14 amendments were brought forward by two members of council. Of these:
- 5 amendments were withdrawn after staff answered questions that were raised
- 3 amendments were defeated 7-0, with the councillor who proposed them voting against their own amendments
- 2 amendments were defeated 5-2 and 4-3
- 2 amendments were deferred, as they require an additional report before moving forward
- 2 amendments were approved: one, limiting the scope of renovations for Victoria Hall but still maintaining the budget amount, which aligned with staff’s original direction; and the second, removing a new HVAC maintenance position. However, as the Town will continue to rely on a contractor for HVAC maintenance, this will result in no savings.
I am pleased that Council has once again adopted a Town budget that continues to deliver the services our residents expect and deserve, all at the best possible value. We remain committed to making responsible investments in our community. This approach not only ensures Aurora is one of the best places to live, work, and play, but also keeps our tax rate among the lowest in the GTHA.
2 Responses
There should have been NO increases in the budget. None. And staff and Council salaries frozen.
This Town has a spending issue that needs to be managed and not additional taxation increases.
To say that a 3.5 percent increase in taxation is acceptable is not only disrespectful, it is a very poor reflection on staff and Council.
I’m sorry you feel that Town staff should not receive a raise. I guess you feel that their families should do with less and less. Like Barrons felt in the year 1213 A.D. I for one think the staff I witness doing their jobs are properly, professionally and to my satisfaction. We all do not have to agree on every point, but I am more than happy with the Town I live in and services they provide.