The proposed municipal multi-year budget for 2021 and 2022 was tabled this week at Council, setting the stage for a series of discussions around priorities and opportunities for the next two years.
In 2020, Council approved the Town of Aurora’s first three-year multi-year operating budget that would see a tax levy increase of 3.4% in 2021 and 2.9% in 2022
And while normally this would be a good budget that follows our budget principles of inflation + 1% increase to contribute to financial reserves, during these challenging times we need to tighten our belts and look to where we can save. That is why staff was tasked with reducing the previously approved 3.4% to 2.9% and have been able to find the necessary savings to make this reduction without impacting services or drawing down our reserves which would impact the future financial health of our town.
Are we in a good standing position financially? Absolutely, but as residents know, delivering a tax rate that is lower than inflation would be fiscally irresponsible. Long-time Aurora residents will remember the days of “0% tax rates”, and their long-term negative effect – years of escalating tax rates, ranging from high of 9% in 2001 to two consecutive years (2005 and 2006) at 7.9%!! and 8.8%, 6% and 5.5% in between. It would not be good planning on our part to set a budget with short term gains that will result in long term pain.
The proposed 2021 budget maintains all current levels of service, as well as providing for a responsible number of investment initiatives designed to improve the quality of Aurorans’ lives and the sustainability of the Town’s infrastructure. It also accounts for the continuing impact of COVID-19 on municipal operations across the country and incorporates savings in a number of areas.
As a Council, we are very aware of how important it is for us to be fiscally responsible while ensuring residents will continue to benefit from the quality of life for which we strive in Aurora, especially during these challenging times. During the Budget deliberations, Council will continue to work hard to make sure that every tax dollar being spent has value to every resident. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on Council to finalize a budget that serves our community.
The Mayor’s Council Update – October 27, 2020
-
by Tom Mrakas - October 28, 2020
- 2 Comments
- by Tom Mrakas
- October 28, 2020
Subscribe
If you’d like to keep in touch with the Mayor and receive updates, please add your e-mail.
Recent Posts
General Committee Update – Sept 19, 2023
During this weeks GC meeting, the topic of introducing a new service, specifically a pilot program for windrow snow removal tailored to seniors and residents facing mobility and accessibility challenges, was discussed. As Residents know, For 20 years now, snow
2023 Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic
The 2023 Annual Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic took place yesterday, and was a fantastic fall day of golf and more importantly a day of giving! This years event raised over 80K!! The funds raised during this event will go
Head of Council Commitment Letter
As Head of Council, I have signed the letter of commitment for Aurora’s provincial housing target and forwarded it to the Honorable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing…
2 Responses
Strongly support a reduction to proposed tax increases of 3.4% and 2.9% in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Many residents have seen decreased salaries, lost jobs, and have had to cut back on many everyday expenses.
Council must look at holding tax increases at this time.
Surely with all the services that have been shut down during the Covid19 period corresponding operating expenses have declined. Although unusual and not foreseen, these savings should help lower the operating requirements on the expense side of the equation. It is imperative that Council continues to work on potential cost savings for the residents of Aurora.