No increase to municipal property tax rates
Today, at a Special Council Meeting, Charlottetown City Council approved the 2022-2023 annual budget. The balanced budget includes a $66.5 million operational budget of the City Corporation and a $15 million Water and Sewer Utility operational budget. The operational budget supports the delivery of protective services, water and sewer, parks and trails, events and tourism, maintenance of roads and community facilities, recreation and many other important services.
“As we adjust to living with COVID, we must continue to be responsible fiscal managers, but we must also be bold and nimble in our approach as we set out to effectively deliver our core services, along with our community programs and initiatives,” said Deputy Mayor Jason Coady, Chair of the Finance, Audit and Tendering Committee. “This budget displays Council’s steadfast commitment to preparing for the future and investing in our community, all while doing so in a responsible manner. I am proud of our resiliency, and I believe this budget lays the groundwork for the next chapter of Charlottetown’s bright future.”
Residential and commercial tax rates will remain at current levels and will not see an increase in the 2022-2023 budget year. Water and Sewer rates will increase 5.1 per cent in order to maintain the safe and effective delivery of services that a growing city requires.
The City’s 2022-2023 budget highlights include investments of:
- $15.5 million in Public Works
- $15.6 million in Protective Services
- $4.3 million in Parks and Recreation
- $1.8 million in Public Transit
- $1.7 million in Planning
- $757 thousand in Community Sustainability
Additionally, this year’s budget includes eight new staff positions being added across a number of departments including human resources, protective and emergency services, information technology, public works and communications.
“Investing in infrastructure and programs are important but we must ensure that appropriate staffing levels are maintained to effectively and efficiently deliver the programs and services that residents expect,” said Deputy Mayor Coady. “These new positions allow our municipality to better meet the needs of our growing city, while ensuring that key programs and initiatives are properly and fully managed.”
The $103.8 million capital budget was approved in January 2022 to support new infrastructure required due to growth and help keep existing infrastructure in a state of good repair.
To access the 2022-2023 budget, visit charlottetown.ca/budget.