The threat of a 9% property tax increase did not materialize as the city budget was presented to Executive Policy Committee on Friday March 1, 2019.
Property taxes will go up but only by the 2.33% that was talked about by Mayor Bowman months ago. In order to hold taxes to that level however almost $30 million is being cut from road renewal. In 2019 the road renewal budget is set at $86.4 million the lowest it has been since 2014.
Unfortunately, this will mean fewer road, cycling, and pedestrian projects will be undertaken this year compared to last year
“This is the city’s new reality,” said Mayor Bowman. “I accept that reality. And our preliminary capital budget and five-year capital forecast
The city says that there are no new fee increases to the frontage levy, parking or sewer and water rates. Transit rates will be frozen at 2018 levels.
The waste diversion fee will increase from $57.50 to $63 per property.
Police will see a $10 million increase to their operating budget and $8 million more will be given to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service in 2019. Funding for emergency services makes up almost half of the city’s budget.
Business taxes will also be reduced to 4.97 per cent from 5.14 per cent. Since 2014 there has been an almost 13 decrease in the business tax rate.
Winnipeg’s urban forest will see increased funding to the tune of $4.1 million. The money will be used in part to fight Dutch Elm Disease and the Emerald Ash Borer.
The city will also use vacancy management to reduce the number of city employees for a saving of $18 million. Vacancy management will not involve
The proposed budget will go to full council on March 20, 2019.
Link | Preliminary 2019 Operating and Capital Budgets
