City budget includes continued investment in infrastructure and no service reduction

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Council unanimously approved the 2021 operating budget, delivering a tax freeze for Richmond Hill residents and businesses. This means that for the first time in more than 15 years Richmond Hill’s taxes, representing 26% of the residential property taxes, will not go up in 2021.

The City was able to achieve a 0% increase without cutting services or using the City’s reserve funds, by identifying $2.94 million in efficiencies. More than $1.5 million in savings were achieved through the City’s reorganization in late 2020 and further savings were realized from technology contracts, administrative efficiencies, reduction of internal programs and efficiencies from the Richmond Hill Public Library.

After factoring in the growth pressures such as inflation, the City reduced annual overall spending by $914,200. This allows Richmond Hill to reduce its use of savings to fund operating costs by $1 million each year, increasing the health and sustainability of the City’s long-term financial position.

Richmond Hill also continues to invest in community infrastructure – the 2021 operating budget includes contributions to capital reserve funds and directs tax supported funding towards capital projects. In November 2020, Council approved a total capital budget for 2021 of $38 million to improve existing infrastructure, including Elgin Barrow Arena, Elgin West Community Centre, McConaghy Centre and watermain replacement on Major Mackenzie Drive West.

Council further delivered on its commitment to fiscal responsibility by approving a rate freeze for water and wastewater services and for the stormwater management rate. Residents and businesses will pay the same rate for water that they’ve paid since 2019. Water rates finance the delivery of clean, safe water to households and businesses, including the cost of water, daily testing, watermain maintenance and the staff to perform these functions.

With the approved 2021 operating budget, the City’s residential tax rate remains the third lowest of all municipalities in Ontario. Residential taxes are calculated by multiplying the tax rate with the assessed value of the home which is set by MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation). Due to COVID-19, assessed values in 2021 remain at 2020 levels.

Quotes

“This budget is great news for residents and businesses in Richmond Hill. No tax increase, all our services stay intact and we’re still able to invest in our infrastructure. That’s a lot to be proud of, especially in the midst of a pandemic. We’ve worked hard to find ways to avoid further financial impact on the community, while still keeping the City in a solid financial position for the future. Our community can be proud of this responsible budget.”   ~ Mayor Dave Barrow

“I hear from the community that keeping taxes under control is a priority and as Budget Chair it’s my top priority. I am proud to be able to offer residents the third lowest tax rate in all of Ontario. This year, Council and staff have found a responsible way to freeze our tax rate while maintaining all the services that make Richmond Hill a great place to live. Through careful decision making and support from other levels of government, we are in good shape to emerge strong from the pandemic.”    ~ Joe DiPaola, Budget Chair and Deputy Mayor

“Richmond Hill has embraced a new environment of continuous improvement that has enabled Council to approve a 0% tax increase for 2021. The City has worked hard to find new, efficient ways to offer great public service without increasing taxes – and that work will continue.”    ~ Greg Beros, Budget Vice Chair and Ward 1 Councillor

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill’s Senior Tax Grant for 2021 is $404. Residents over 65 who own their home should visit RichmondHill.ca/TaxAssistancePrograms to determine if they qualify.
• The Capital Asset Sustainability Levy increases by 1% to fund the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure such as roads, parks and buildings. The increase is equal to $19.55 on a property valued at $1,146,000.
• In 2021, Richmond Hill will keep 26% of residential property taxes, with 51% sent to York Region for regional services and 23% sent to school boards for education funding. Richmond Hill Council controls only the local portion of taxes.  
• Richmond Hill received federal and provincial Safe Restart funding of $4,131,900 in 2020 and $1,747,000 in 2021.

Additional Links

• RichmondHill.ca/Budget
• RichmondHill.ca/MyCityatWork
• RichmondHill.ca/TaxAssistancePrograms
• News - Richmond Hill On Track for 0% Tax Increase
• News - Richmond Hill to Invest $38 Million in the Community

Media Contact

Libbi Hood, Communications Advisor, libbi.hood@richmondhill.ca