| This release was updated on Dec. 1, 2022 to reflect updated budget numbers provided by the Sarnia Police Service. The release, and Budget Highlights Document, now reflect a proposal for an 11.5 per cent increase to the Police Services budget, submitted by the Police Services Board. |
Draft 2023 Budget documents were released today, including the Draft 2023 Budget Highlights and Draft 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets.
The Draft 2023 Budget proposes a 5.91 per cent increase to the City’s general levy. That number, combined with the City’s transit levy increase, results a 6.31 per cent increase to the City portion of the property tax in the upcoming year. The City portion, when blended with estimates for Lambton County and the Ministry of Education, would result in a 4.46 per cent overall increase to property taxes in 2023.
“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 City Treasurer Jane Qi.
The proposed 2023 Capital Budget includes $42 million in capital investments into roads, water infrastructure and facilities. To offset impacts to taxpayers, the City hopes to utilize 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 watermain replacement
- $3.5 million for road rehabilitation
- $2 million for shoreline protection
- About $1.6 million for Progressive Auto Sales Arena improvements
Draft 2023 Budget documents are available at www.sarnia.ca/Budget2023.
The Draft 2023 Budget will be presented to City Council on Nov. 21, 2022. The public will be able to provide input on the 2023 Budget during City Council’s Budget Input and Grants Session on Dec. 12, 2022.