Georgian Bluffs council has started to work on the 2025 township budget, which will outline key financial decisions over the upcoming year.
Council has had a chance to look at a draft budget which includes significant investment in infrastructure, while maintaining core services and responding to inflationary pressures. The draft also featured 23 proposed operating and capital enhancements.
“Staff have developed a fiscally responsible budget that responds to the needs of the community, as shared through the ongoing strategic planning process, through delegations to council, and by council themselves,” said Niall Lobley, Chief Administrative Officer. “The focus of this budget is on investing in infrastructure, enhancing community services, and moving forward on environmental projects.”
After a full day of deliberations, council directed staff to prepare a draft 2025 budget that maintains the proposed tax levy change rate of 5.14 per cent. This includes funds allocated to continued bridge and culvert repairs, upgrades at community parks and facilities, and accessibility improvements. They also wanted to see spending on the hard-surface road network increased to $2 million, up from the original request of $950,000. As well, council requested an issue paper be developed to consider the installation of a playground in Kemble.
“Council recognizes that our community relies on a well-maintained road network to move through and around the Township,” said Mayor Sue Carleton. “Investing in this infrastructure is crucial, and council is committed to prioritizing road and bridge improvements in this year’s budget.”
The revised draft budget will be presented at a special meeting on November 12, 2024. A public feedback meeting is scheduled for December 3, with the final budget expected to be approved in January of 2025.
The 2025 Budget Survey is still open, and feedback can be provided online at engagegb.ca/2025budget or in hard copy at Georgian Bluffs facilities.
For more information and to see previous year’s budgets, visit www.georgianbluffs.ca/budget.