The City of Sarnia has released its 2023 draft budget, in advance of it being presented to the new council later this month.
It proposes a 4.01 per cent increase to the city’s general levy.
That number, combined with the city’s transit levy increase, results in a 4.52 percent increase to the city portion of the property tax bill in the upcoming year.
There's a projected 1.84 per cent increase to property taxes in 2023, when combining the city portion with estimates for Lambton County and the Ministry of Education.
City Treasurer Jane Qi commented on the draft budget.
"This budget delivers value for residents first and foremost, maintaining affordability with a focus on offsetting external pressures such as inflation, while, at the same time, allowing critical investments in infrastructure renewal and improvements to move forward," said Qi.
Meanwhile, the proposed capital budget includes $44.7 million in investments for roads, water infrastructure and facilities. To offset impacts to taxpayers, the city is hoping to use mitigation tools, including transfers from the Operating Contingency Reserve.
Proposed capital projects for 2023 include: • $1 million for flood mitigation • $7.8 million for sewer separation • $3.2 million for water main replacement • $3.5 million for road rehabilitation • $2 million for shoreline protection • About $1.6 million for Progressive Auto Sales Arena improvements
The draft document will be reviewed by city council on November 21.
The public will be able to provide input during council’s budget input and grants session on December 12.
More information can be found at www.sarnia.ca/budget2023