Owen Sound Approves Responsible 2.52% Tax Increase to Maintain Services

Owen Sound City Council unanimously has approved the 2025 municipal levy (the amount of money raised through property taxes), ensuring continued investment in core services, infrastructure, and community priorities while maintaining responsible financial management.

Council has authorized a total municipal levy of $36,247,585, representing a 2.57% increase over the previous year. When combined with upper-tier Grey County and the Province of Ontario’s education levies, the total property tax increase for residents is estimated at 2.52%. The increase is estimated to cost the average household (assessed at $232,150) an additional $9.30 per month.

The 2.57% increase is below the mandate provided by Council and reflects the City's commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with essential community services.  While other Grey County lower-tier municipalities are still finalizing their 2025 tax levies, Owen Sound’s is expected to be the lowest increase among the County.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Operating Budget include:

·       Infrastructure Investment: A dedicated 1% of the total levy increase is allocated to capital projects, ensuring continued reinvestment in roads, facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

·       Responsible Taxation: The levy increase remains below the initial 3% to 5% target set by Council during budget deliberations.

·       Climate Action: The budget aligns with the City's Corporate Climate Change Action Plan, incorporating climate considerations into long-term investment, planning and policy development.

·       Stable Service Delivery: No net new full-time positions were added, ensuring efficient service delivery while managing costs.      

Final tax bills will be issued in early June, with the first installment due at the end of June 2025. While the levy by-law will be passed on February 24, 2025, the final tax rate by-law will be set later in coordination with Grey County’s tax policy decisions.

The full 2025 Budget and related reports are available on the City’s website under Budget and Finance.

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

Quotes:

"Our budget demonstrates that responsible financial management doesn't mean cutting services.  We're maintaining stable service delivery, investing in infrastructure, and supporting our climate action goals—all while keeping tax increases minimal and among the lowest in the County."

-     Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

§  Owen Sound’s total operating expenses for 2025 are $48.5 million, but the total tax levy required is $36.2 million.

§  The City’s 2.57% tax levy increase over last year is among the lowest in the County and is estimated to cost the average household (assessed at $232,150) an additional $9.30 per month.

§  City Council will approve the by-law on February 24 to adopt the approved 2025 Budget

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