Council Approves Lowest Proposed Tax Levy Increase in More Than a Decade

Owen Sound City Council has approved the 2023 Budget, which includes one of the lowest tax levy increases in more than 12 years, with a proposed total municipal levy increase of 0.86%, or $36.38 per year for the average home in Owen Sound.  Council and staff have focused on continuing to pursue internal efficiencies to achieve savings of more than $720,000 and present a fiscally responsible budget for 2023.

City Council met on February 6 and 7 to discuss Owen Sound's proposed municipal levy of $33,140,000.  Council formally passed a by-law to adopt the budget at a public meeting on Monday, February 27, 2023. 

The 2023 levy supports Council's strategic priorities while continuing the City's commitment to keeping property tax rates low, respecting taxpayers' money, offsetting inflationary budget impacts, and delivering essential public services that citizens, businesses and visitors rely on daily. 

The budget responds to key needs in the community despite significant economic pressures and changing service demands as COVID-19 recovery continues.  The goal of City staff and Council is to create a budget each year that balances the cost of providing City services with the available financial resources.

Owen Sound's budget is made up of two halves: Capital and Operating.  The Capital Budget consists of large projects to maintain facilities, roads and other critical infrastructure.  Capital projects are budgeted over a multi-year plan.  The Operating Budget includes finances required to keep City services running, such as salaries and winter maintenance.  The 2023 levy total of $33,140,000 funds capital projects and operating expenses.  The City of Owen Sound also collects taxes on behalf of the County of Grey and the Province of Ontario for education.

For more information, please contact Kate Allan, Director of Corporate Services, 519-376-4440 ext. 1238 or email to kallan@owensound.ca

Quotes:

"Council and staff have worked hard to support various strategic priorities in the proposed 2023 City budget, the first of this term of Council.  It reflects the balance of the cost of living and inflation with providing our residents with the service levels they expect from us and rely upon."

• Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

• Approximately 20 cents of every tax dollar is redirected to the County.
• The proposed increase will cost the average homeowner in Owen Sound $3.03 a month in 2023.
• The total City levy for 2023 is $33,140,000 and is made up of Capital and Operating dollars.
• Total taxes collected by the City of Owen Sound include taxes for the County of Grey and the Province of Ontario for education.
• The municipal levy is the total amount of funds the City of Owen Sound collects from its property taxpayers.
• More details are available at OwenSound.ca/Budget

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