2024 Budget

On Dec. 4, 2023, Milton’s 2024 budget was finalized, representing an investment of $83.7 million in capital projects and $192.3 million through the operating budget to deliver programs and services to Milton’s growing community.

The 2024 budget advances the priorities of Council and the community by investing in:

• People who deliver Town services
• Innovation in Technology and Process
• Quality Facilities and Amenities
• Connected Transit and Mobility
• Planned Community Growth

The 2024 capital portion of the budget represents an $83.7 million investment in 144 projects, including new infrastructure to support the Town’s growth and expansion, as well as the rehabilitation and replacement of existing infrastructure.

The operating portion provides $192.3 million for the day-to-day operations at the Town that deliver important services to our community. It provides the funding to deliver services such as fire, snow clearing, maintenance of roads and parks, transit, Milton Public Library, storm water pond maintenance, culture and recreation.

The Town is responsible for collecting property taxes for three agencies: Town of Milton, Halton Region, and the province (school boards). Your property tax bill is a combination of these three agencies. It is important to note that the Town of Milton’s services are only a portion (41 per cent) of your overall tax bill. This combination (Halton Region, Town of Milton, school boards), is often referred to as the blended property tax rate and is what a taxpayer will see on their property tax bill and results in the household impact.

Based on Milton’s 2024 budget, the overall increase to property taxes is estimated at 5.93 per cent, pending approval of the Halton Region and provincial education budgets. Therefore, the average overall household property tax bill is estimated to increase in 2024 by $43.60 per $100,000 of residential assessment.

The average residential home in Milton assessed by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation at $600,000 can expect to pay approximately $4,670.81 in total property taxes for 2024. Milton continues to maintain one of the lowest overall property taxes in comparison to other local municipalities.

Visit the Town’s website to view the 2024 budget highlights and how the 2024 budget impacts residential taxes.

Quotes

“Milton Council and staff worked hard on this budget to provide residents with the service they expect, while facing financial pressures like inflation. This budget makes strategic investments in transit, fire services and community safety, traffic calming, road safety, quality facilities, effective services and planned community growth. With an estimated total property tax increase of 5.93 per cent (including estimated amounts for the region and school boards), we continue to provide excellent service levels while keeping Milton taxes among the lowest in the GTHA. Thank you to all of the engaged Miltonians who shared their voices during this budget process.”

- Sameera Ali
Budget Chair, Regional Councillor, Town of Milton

“The 2024 budget reflects Milton’s ongoing need to invest in the services and community assets that residents prefer and expect. This budget aligns our investment to ensure that we move forward on our long-term vision for our safe, vibrant, and welcoming community.”

- Andrew Siltala
Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Milton

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.

The Town of Milton is inviting residents and business owners to share their thoughts and ideas about how to prioritize services and investments for 2024.

The Capital and Operating Budget reflects Council’s strategic vision for the Town through investments made in the community. The budget will be informed by detailed studies and plans undertaken by the Town along with the 2022 Citizen Engagement Survey.

The annual budget process provides Council with the opportunity to balance resources to meet the Town’s priorities and deliver services to the community.

The budget is developed according to the following steps:

• July-August 2023: Initial public engagement seeking priorities for 2024.
• September 2023: Budget guidelines are established.
• November 2023: Proposed budget available for viewing at Milton.ca.
• December 2023: Budget presentation to Council and public delegations. Council deliberates and approves the budget.

Residents, businesses, and community organizations can share their ideas online at Let’s Talk Milton.