Georgina

The 2026 budget focuses on building a vibrant community and enhancing infrastructure, including the Replacement Civic Centre, High Street revitalization, and Willow Beach Park revitalization. The budget emphasizes fiscal responsibility while meeting the needs of the growing community. Key priorities include enhancing transparency, mitigating risks from inflationary pressures and legislative changes, incorporating public feedback, and maintaining financial sustainability. The budget includes a 10-year Capital Financial Plan with an infrastructure levy to fund infrastructure projects. The operating budget is $114.8 million, and the capital budget is $52.5 million. The tax levy is $62.9 million, with increases for operating and infrastructure.

Georgina Council adopted the 2026 budget, which includes increases for operating expenditures and an infrastructure levy. The budget focuses on building community and revitalizing spaces, planning for growth, and investing in existing infrastructure. It includes major enhancements to public parks, upgrades to cultural infrastructure, and continues to build on the priorities identified in the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The water and wastewater budget will see an increase for a typical household, funded by water users, and the stormwater rate will also increase.

The discussion covered the town's budget, focusing on both operational and capital aspects. Key topics included a proposed budget of $42.72 million for operations and $36 million for capital projects, with a 10-year capital plan of $280 million. The budget includes a 2.99% operating increase and a 2% infrastructure levy, translating to approximately $11 per month for the average resident. The conversation also addressed the importance of balancing the budget, managing economic conditions and inflation, and the role of development charges in funding capital costs, such as the multi-use recreation complex. Additionally, the discussion touched on the allocation of assessment growth to various services and the challenges of storm water management, particularly in rural areas.

The meeting focused on the Jackson's Point Harbour Marina, specifically discussing opportunities for expanding the slips, the allocation for transient and seasonal slips by various boat sizes, amenities such as gas and pump out, power washroom, and shower facilities. Additional topics included parking, drop-off and pick-up areas, and management options for the marina.

An emergency council meeting was held to address the town's response to COVID-19. Updates were received regarding the Emergency Operations Center and continuing business operations. Discussions covered financial options, including tax payment deferral, penalty and interest charges, and water and sewer billing due dates. The town will waive penalty and interest charges for the April 27th interim tax bill installment and delay the transfer of unpaid water and sewer bill amounts to the property tax account. A property tax deferral program is under review. Town facilities remain closed, essential staff are working, garbage bag tag requirements are suspended, and assistance is being offered to the food pantry and local churches.