Kitchener starts tackling operating budget Monday
Posted Jan 3, 2015 07:14:12 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The city of Kitchener is getting ready to tackle its operating budget.
According to the City, Kitchener has one of the lowest tax burdens of all large municipalities in Ontario.
Councillor and Chair of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee Scott Davey says they are targeting inflation for the property tax increase.
The proposed hike is 2.25% while the rate of inflation is 2.3%.
He says there are bound to be some residents concerned by the Water and Sanitary Rate increase which is coming in at 9.9%.
Davey says they only control half of the water budget and to freeze their portion would be irresponsible because the increased costs will go toward maintaining the service and replacing ageing infrastructure.
When all is said and done, the average home owner is looking at an additional $125.
The city also wants to look at improving tools for residents to have input on where their taxes go.
The first meeting happens Monday, January 5 and one of the key issues is the property tax increase. Final budget approval is expected on February 23.
