On Thursday, February 1, 2024, Midland Council approved the Town’s 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets with some amendments after three full days of review with Town administration, and agencies, boards, and commissions.
“Over three days last week Council undertook a thorough review and reduction of the proposed 2024 Budget to offer some much-needed financial relief to our taxpayers,” said Town of Midland Mayor Bill Gordon. “After a line-by-line review of the proposed capital budget and service increases, we asked staff to identify any discretionary projects that could be delayed or deferred without significantly impacting the services and programs that our residents depend on. I congratulate staff and Council for their diligent work to get us to this point.”
The approved 2024 Budget will result in a 4.6 per cent levy increase, or a 3.99 per cent blended rate, and includes:
- Estimated County and Education rates.
- 0.8% increase to the sustainable capital levy.
- 5% increase in Water Rate equalling a $1.80 increase per month for a typical user.
- 4% increase in Wastewater Rate equalling a $1.60 increase per month for a typical user.
The 2024 blended rate equates to a $5.28 increase per month per $100,000 of property assessment to support municipal, County and school board services.
The 2024 budget includes critical capital investment in infrastructure including wastewater treatment, road and storm sewer improvements, streetlighting, sidewalk rehabilitation, a new pedestrian crossing, and Harbour improvements.
Other projects highlighted in the Town’s approved 2024 Budget include:
- Hiring of four new Firefighter positions.
- Purchase of two new Fire Services Pumper Trucks.
- Feasibility Study for a Joint Fire Service with Penetanguishene.
- Weekend Transit Service to Balm Beach (pilot project for Summer 2024).
- New Accessible Transit van.
- Underground infrastructure to prepare for the realignment of Vindin and Harbourview.
- Numerous park improvements including the Little Lake Park Rotary Stage roof addition.
- Dock replacement and non-resident permit fee for boat launch at Pete Pettersen Park.
- Other studies including Waterfront Master Plan and Housing Needs Assessment.
- Continued support to various community organizations and events including the 2024 Community Grant Program.
The amended Operating and Capital Budget summaries will be posted in the coming weeks to the Town’s website at Midland.ca/Budget.
