December 11, 2024 — The City’s 2025 budget has officially been adopted, funding investments into the community for the year ahead.
The $184.25-million combined Operating Budget balances affordability with continued delivery of core services such as transportation; community safety; water and sewer; and recreation alongside investments into critical infrastructure.
The $56.35-million 2025 Capital Budget includes:
- $9.7 million for facilities projects such as Progressive Auto Sales Arena improvements, Germain Park improvements, and Norm Perry Park improvements
- A record setting $4 million for road resurfacing
- $2.3 million for shoreline protection
- $7.6 million for sewer separation
- $6.1 million for flood mitigation
- $4.7 million for sewer, water and road reconstruction on Forsyth Street and Essex Street
- $4 million for Michigan Avenue watermain and forcemain replacements
A staff-prepared budget was proposed by the Mayor, with the opportunity for Council to make amendments during its annual Budget Deliberations Meeting. The Mayor opted not to exercise his veto authority within the prescribed veto period on any of the amendments adopted by Council, and the amended budget is now deemed to be adopted by the municipality.
Inflation continues to present challenges, driving up the costs of both capital investments and service delivery. Staff and Council implemented several measures to reduce the increase to the tax rate such as limiting new employee positions. The finalized budget represents a 4.42 per cent increase to the City portion of property taxes. The increase will see the owner of a detached home assessed at $100,000 paying an additional $42.16 outside of the transit levy area, and an additional $45.72 inside the transit levy area.
The 4.42 per cent increase applies only to the City portion of property taxes, and that the total impact to tax bills will depend on both County of Lambton and school board rates once finalized.
A finalized copy of the budget will be posted, when available, at www.sarnia.ca/Budget.