Saying it provides greater transparency, Quinte West has released its first multi-year budget report.
The budget, proposed for 2023-2026, also marks the first time the city will present both its capital and operating budgets together to council.
The proposed budget suggests an average annual tax increase of 8.2% over the next four years.
The staff report shows that Quinte West property taxes are well below many Ontario municipalities of similar size with the average tax in 2022 at $2,880 compared to the provincial average of $3,826.
Chief Administrative Officer David Clazie says city staff have worked diligently on the document which outlines key financial considerations including the impact of the rising cost of inflation, changes to taxation revenue received by the province, and costs to improve infrastructure and maintain community service levels such as police, fire and snow plowing.
Staff will present the proposed 2023-2026 budget report as part of the city’s budget review process at Special Council meetings scheduled for:
January 31, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
February 15, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
March 1, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
A review of the final 2023-2026 budget report is scheduled for the March 22 council meeting.
Quinte West residents are welcome to provide comments or address council as part of the budget review process. Public input about the proposed 2023-2026 budget report can be submitted in writing to clerk@quintewest.ca for distribution as correspondence to council.
Individuals that wish to address council in person or virtually can attend any of the budget review meetings to speak during the public input period. More information about the city’s speaking at council process is available at quintewest.ca.
