Progress on the 2024 Proposed Capital and Operating Budget

The Town of Milton’s budget process took a step forward on Sept. 11 when Council approved the Budget Call report outlining the pressures and public input received to date on the 2024 Budget.

The report requests that the 2024 Budget reflect Council-approved strategic plans and long-term studies. Staff are directed to prepare a Capital and Operating Budget Reference Document for the Mayor and Council to consider, and to present options to reduce the 2024 tax levy impact as well as opportunities for additional investment.

At present, the report recommends the 2024 Proposed Operating Budget be presented with a residential property tax increase of approximately 9.5 per cent on the Town portion of the total tax levy (for an estimated total residential property tax increase of 5.37 per cent when the Region and Education portions are considered).

This is higher than prior year estimates for 2024, due to new information such as higher-than-projected inflation rates. The Town’s local tax levy remains lower than surrounding local municipalities.

The Capital and Operating Budget provides for the investments that reflect Council’s vision for the Town, including infrastructure and services such as firefighting, snow clearing, road maintenance, parks, transit, recreation and libraries.

We encourage the public to get involved in the budget process by:

• Speaking to the Mayor or their Ward Councillor.
• Watching live-streamed meetings on Milton Council’s YouTube page.
• Sharing input on Let’s Talk Milton using the Ideas tool.
• Reviewing the Proposed 2024 Budget, when available after Nov. 20.
• Registering to delegate to Council at the Dec. 4 Budget meeting by filling out the Delegate Request Application and reviewing the delegation guide.