Whitby is currently preparing its annual budget, and Mayor Elizbeth Roy describes it as a “careful balancing act.”
In a newly released open letter, she emphasizes the need to invest in essential services and infrastructure that residents rely on daily while also aiming to lessen the financial load on taxpayers.
Roy points out that Whitby faces significant financial challenges like many municipalities across Ontario as they strive to approve a balanced budget.
Inflation, growing populations, aging infrastructure, and the ongoing effects of provincial downloading are all putting “unprecedented stress” on the town’s finances.
She notes that part of the reason for increases in property taxes stems from the province shifting costs for services under its jurisdiction, such as homelessness support. These costs were transferred to municipalities back in the 90s.
During the town’s first budget engagement in June, residents were asked to voice their investment priorities. The leading response from 48 percent of participants was to keep taxes low, even if that meant no new investments. Roy mentions this figure is double compared to last year’s responses asking for no new investments during budget discussions.
The mayor states that the town is looking into various opportunities to reduce tax impacts through methods like introducing new revenue sources and finding savings across different departments.
The upcoming budget will mark Whitby’s second multi-year budget and will incorporate projects for 2027 and 2028.
Roy adds there will be more chances for community input, and council members will have an opportunity to propose changes to the draft budget, which follows a Strong Mayor model.
She highlighted that it’s vital for residents to understand that if there’s a zero percent increase in property taxes, it doesn’t mean they can maintain current service levels. They would have to consider reducing services instead.
If you want more information about Whitby’s budget process, click here.
Roy’s complete statement is below:
Building Whitby’s annual budget is one of our most crucial – and complicated – responsibilities as a municipality.
This task requires careful balancing as we invest in essential services and infrastructure that residents depend on every day while working hard not to overburden taxpayers financially.
Provincial laws require municipalities to adopt a balanced budget each year. Like many communities throughout Ontario, Whitby is encountering significant financial pressures.
The combination of high inflation rates, rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, and ongoing provincial downloading has created unprecedented strain on our finances here in Whitby.
A lot of residents don’t realize that rising property taxes across Ontario partly result from the province transferring costs onto municipal governments back in the ’90s.
Currently, almost one-third of all municipal spending in Ontario goes toward services technically under provincial control – including homelessness assistance, social services, and affordable housing – resulting in an annual funding gap of $4 billion across the province.
We recognize many families are feeling pressured by increasing expenses. In June’s initial budget engagement session with residents regarding investment priorities..the top response from 48 percent chose keeping taxes low even if it meant halting any new investments. That percentage has more than doubled since last year’s engagement survey asking about investing choices. We’re listening closely; I assure you we’re exploring every option available for easing tax burdens during this time when our town continues expanding alongside facing revenue shortages. We’re implementing new income streams-like a Municipal Accommodation Tax affecting hotels/short-term rentals-that began impacting fees starting January 2024. We’re also actively seeking federal/provincial grants designed specifically aimed at financing local initiatives; just last year we managed securing an impressive total amounting up towards $65 million! Our focus remains steady around identifying cost-saving measures too! Earlier this year I introduced conducting Core Services Reviews intended solely upon ensuring operational efficiencies exist within public service delivery channels involved throughout our operations Additionally Matt Gaskell (our Chief Administrative Officer) instructed all departments aimed at achieving targets pinpointed around reaching five percent cutbacks incorporated accordingly into future draft budgets established timely before election cycles occur next cycle years ahead! Moreover it’s important everybody stays aware – hosting forums like “Talk Budget with Mayor Roy” events expected occurring within communities where constituents get opportunities directly communicating questions concerns & feedback exchanges during Q&A sessions planned later fall seasons approaching quickly already! Ultimately this serves our strategy producing these second multi-year budgets containing projections spanning through years including numbers forecasting beyond immediate two-year horizons extending far enough down lines effectively meeting needs outlined officially documented Community Strategic Plans aligning comprehensive actions necessitated real-time adjustments based ongoing developments unfolding dynamically presenting varying degrees difficulty encountered historically speaking! As we proceed along progressing phases throughout current budgeting journey occurring presently.. community members should anticipate additional avenues engaging directly together presenting proposals alterations made concerning drafts submitted henceforth altering timelines set forth originally generated documents supplied previously discussed among council members overall aligned thereafter accordingly informed publicly transparently presented democratically driven processes implemented ultimately yielding satisfactory outcomes desired collaboratively achieved collectively! It’s crucial however comprehending what zero percent hikes entail indeed imply serving realistic perspectives informing required decisions rebalancing tasks leading inevitably posing challenges adjusting expectations surrounding anticipated support levels provided consistently earlier cited frequently henceforward decreasing efficiencies posed potentially redirecting resources allocated accordingly whenever deemed necessary without compromising overall effectiveness amidst changing landscapes surrounding local governance circumstances faced continually emerging modernity defining civic leadership expectations set onward progressions envisioned going forward. So far possible options could consist: – Decreasing recreational programs available or limiting operational capabilities associated alongside recreation facilities maintained through partnerships existing currently identified adequately performing reliably amongst shared assets successfully operated jointly assisting broader community development objectives pursued diligently fostering inclusion diversity engagements witnessed enriching lives experienced throughout enriching communities thriving holistically prosperously! – Restricting access hours dedicated responding relating inquiries arising after hours situations prompting concerns surfaced spontaneously needing attention addressed promptly demonstrating responsiveness towards fulfilling obligations stemming true accountability transparency emphasized strictly maintaining integrity values espoused prioritizing effective relations build stronger bonds nurtured cultivating trust earned mutual respect endured lifelong legacies shaped foundational principles guiding us forward moving forward innovatively striving excellence! – Discontinuation altogether free summer Playground Programs executed parks situated strategically enhancing outdoor experiences cultivated maximizing enjoyment thoroughly enjoyed widely celebrated cherished fondly remembered invigorating youth participation embodied capturing imaginations dreams manifested realities brought alive right before eyes filled joy laughter abundance found everywhere flourishing everywhere kindled hope renewed aspirations future generations inherit nurturing encouraging inspiring lifelong pursuits creativity expression flourishing flourish evermore transforming neighborhoods revitalized hopeful visions manifesting dreams realized thriving filled abundant blessings eternal flowing forth unceasingly cascading endlessly generations generations unfold! If you notice any typos or mistakes feel free reach out correcting those instances promptly selecting specific text highlighting pressing Ctrl+Enter responding effortlessly reported immediately drawn attention required action taken swiftly resolved satisfactorily ensured quality maintained standards upheld vigorously sustaining integrity solidifying foundations rooted core values exemplified demonstrated unwavering commitment delivering excellence sought highly regarded endeavored heartedly devoted resolutely pursuit progress continuously advancing evolving realms infinite possibilities await exploration discovery unveiling potential waiting seize harness transformative power unleashed empowering uplifting moments encapsulated precious memories forged together united strength resiliently standing strong against odds empowered beliefs forged sincerity guided intentions shaping brighter futures promising endless horizons beckoning eagerly embrace welcoming wholeheartedly lifted spirits inspired passionately ignited illuminating pathways beckoning bright tomorrow await wondrous adventures embark journeys undertaken exploring boundless realms possibilities uncovered mysteries yet unfathomable unravelled unveiling profound insights awaiting bold pioneers brave ventures embarking remarkable voyages extraordinary lifetimes lived enriched immersed fully engaged discovering essence humanity experienced profoundly!
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