County of Brant Council approved its 2024 budget, resulting in a property tax increase of 8.7 per cent, or a $300.81 increase to the median home.
David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant, addressed the hefty tax increase for residents this year.
“I understand the concerns raised by our residents regarding the 8.7% tax increase for the upcoming year. We have thoroughly reviewed our budgetary needs and have made difficult decisions to ensure essential services are maintained and investments are made in our community’s future,” said David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant. “This increase reflects the necessary steps we must take to address infrastructure projects, rising operational costs, and other unavoidable expenditures. We are committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency throughout this process and will continue to work diligently to provide the best value for our taxpayers while ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the County of Brant.”
This decision reflects the County’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs and priorities of its residents while ensuring the delivery of essential services and the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at fostering growth and prosperity within the county.
“The County of Brant is not alone in the challenges that we are facing,” said Bailey. “Communities across the country are also seeing considerable increases.”
Highlights of the 2024 Budget include:
- A $1 million dollar investment in public transportation, specifically new and enhanced services provided through Brant Transit.
- A $3 million dollar increase in tax-supported capital works, which will help fund roads and bridges improvements, recreation facility updates, emergency services facilities and parks/trail upgrades.
- A $4 million dollar investment towards the expansion of the Biggars Lane Landfill to ensure future capacity.
- $3 million dollars in inflationary costs that affect almost everything including salaries, fuel, materials, contracts and services.
- The County of Brant is growing and with growth comes the need for more infrastructure such as roads, water and sidewalks, new services and programs and the staff to deliver services.
The community was invited to engage on the 2024 budget through the Engage Brant website. Through the website they were able to provide questions and comments to staff, as well as access budget information. Throughout the engagement period there were 796 visits to the page and 23 residents engaged by leaving comments or asking a question.
To view more information about the budget, visit www.EngageBrant.ca/Budget2024
