Georgian Bluffs township hall exterior. (file photo)
It looks like Georgian Bluffs residents could be facing a fairly hefty property tax increase this year.
The township’s 2024 draft budget calls for a 9.57 per cent municipal tax hike, at least. Council is reviewing the proposed spending plan at a special meeting today.
The budget presented doesn’t include some other “pressures” facing the township. Staff noted a shortfall in the annual Inter-township fire department allocation ($153,000), other fire prevention ($50,000) and short-term accommodations ($65,000) as some expenses not accounted for yet.
A staff report says the tax rate increase would jump to 11.7 per cent if all of those are included in the final 2024 budget.
Councillors could potentially trim from the budget during today’s meeting to lower the proposed increase.
Drainage work in Balmy Beach ($2.3-million), the reconstruction of Old Beach Drive ($2.64-million) and Emery Bridge replacement ($2.25-million) are some multi-year infrastructure projects with some initial expenses in the Georgian Bluffs’ 2024 capital plan.
A facilities master plan ($200,000) and a new dog park in Shallow Lake ($75,000) are also included in the capital budget.
A public input session on the proposed budget is scheduled for next Wednesday, Feb. 7, during the committee of the whole meeting.