Richmond Hill Council Sets Maximum 1% Tax Increase

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Council reaffirmed its commitment to limiting a tax increase to one per cent in 2020 at Tuesday’s Budget Committee of the Whole meeting.

Staff have been working to meet the one per cent target since it was first identified in June. The City is looking for additional savings through process improvements, reorganization and technology updates and increased revenue through user fees. In addition, the 2020 operating budget will include no new staff positions.

Additional details about the draft 2020 operating budget will be provided to Council at the November 26 Budget Committee meeting. A November 12 meeting will focus on the 2020 capital budget. 

Quotes

“The annual operating budget needs to be a balance of what the city requires to provide exceptional public service and what our residents can afford. The budget also needs to be based on sustainable funding models so Richmond Hill maintains healthy finances long-term.” 

          ~ Mayor Dave Barrow

“When we approved the 2019 operating budget I stated that we need to achieve a lower tax rate increase each successive year while maintaining excellent service. The one per cent maximum increase in 2020 is an achievable first step through a prudent and fiscally responsible approach.”

          ~ Budget Chair, Deputy Mayor Joe DiPaola

“I’m pleased our current Council is focused on lower tax increases while also adding new services such as citywide windrow snow clearing and enhanced Sunday Library service. As Budget Vice-Chair, I’m standing up for Richmond Hill residents by introducing the maximum one per cent tax increase and I look forward to delivering on this promise.”   

          ~ Budget Vice-Chair, Ward 1 Councillor Greg Beros

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill's Capital Budget outlines the financial needs for growth and maintenance of existing infrastructure, such as community centres, fire stations, pools, parks, trails, arenas, roads and sidewalks. The Capital Budget is funded through reserve funds, development charges and grants.
• Richmond Hill's Operating Budget covers the costs of everyday operations and activities, including utilities, rent, insurance, staff wages and benefits, program supplies, transportation and repairs. Funds for the Operating Budget come from taxes, fees and other items, such as program registrations.
• Richmond Hill collects taxes on behalf of York Region and the Province of Ontario for education. Approximately 27 per cent of taxes remain in Richmond Hill; 49 per cent goes to York Region and 24 per cent to education.

Associated Links

RichmondHill.ca/Budget

Video - How Richmond Hill’s Budget Works

Contact:
David Dexter, Treasurer and Director, Corporate and Financial Services, 905-771-2484, david.dexter@richmondhill.ca