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Richmond Hill’s Roadmap to 1% Tax Increase
Back to SearchRichmond Hill’s Roadmap to 1% Tax Increase
RICHMOND HILL – The Budget Committee of the Whole had a productive meeting Tuesday, reviewing savings opportunities presented by staff and external sources.
Staff outlined the various cost savings identified to meet the maximum one per cent target Council set for the 2020 tax increase. These include more than $1.1 million in administrative savings, including changes to the fleet rental and animal services contracts. Richmond Hill will also save close to half a million dollars in technology and related changes, including updated IT contracts. In addition, the 2020 operating budget will include no new staff positions and user fee revenue will increase five per cent in order to meet the one per cent maximum.
The Committee also received a report from Deloitte that identifies opportunities to reduce non-personnel spending. Staff will report to Budget Committee of the Whole about implementation of the recommendations in March 2020. The Province of Ontario funded this review through its Audit and Accountability Fund. The views expressed in the Deloitte report do not necessarily reflect those of the Province. The report can be viewed at RichmondHill.ca/OperatingReview.
Quotes
“Responsible use of tax dollars is what our community expects and deserves. We are thankful to our staff for finding efficiencies that will lead to savings and appreciate the Province for providing the Audit and Accountability Fund to enable us to do a deeper dive into our operating budget.”
~ Mayor Dave Barrow
“Our staff presented savings opportunities across the organization that will result in a maximum tax increase of one per cent for our residents. I look forward to even greater savings in the future when we implement the recommendations provided by Deloitte.”
~ Budget Chair, Deputy Mayor Joe DiPaola
“This year’s budget will accomplish our goal of keeping the tax increase to a maximum one per cent while adding valued services like the citywide windrow snow clearing program and Sunday Library service at the new Oak Ridges branch.”
~ Budget Vice-Chair, Ward 1 Councillor Greg Beros
Quick Facts
- Budget Committee of the Whole will discuss the 2020 Operating Budget on January 28.
- The draft 2020 Operating Budget will be available at RichmondHill.ca/Budget by mid-January.
- 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 sources, such as program registrations.
- Richmond Hill collects taxes on behalf of York Region and the Province of Ontario for education. Approximately 28 per cent of taxes remain in Richmond Hill; 49 per cent goes to York Region and 23 per cent to education.
Associated Links
Contact
David Dexter, Treasurer and Director, Corporate and Financial Services, 905-771-2484, david.dexter@richmondhill.ca