Brockton has officially approved its 2020 budget.
In a release on February 20, the municipality detailed a net levy of almost $9.7 million, which will cause a municipal tax rate increase of 3.95 per cent. But after education taxes and other tax sources are factored in, residents will see a blended tax rate increase of just 2.43 per cent.
Brockton Chief Financial Officer Trish Serratore said council wanted to focus on a couple of key areas.
"Council is really focused on the infrastructure needs of the community, particularly within our roads department and recreation, as well as being able to set some money aside for future needs, too."
Serratore said Brockton continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses, and council factored that into this year's budget. At a 2.43 per cent increase, an average household will pay $85.62 more for this year. Serratore notes that on top of infrastructure, council is committed to some other major areas.
"Council is really passionate about some of the recreation needs within the community, as well as our economic development, too. So, trying to attract new residents and businesses to the area."
Part of attracting new business is the investment into the East Ridge Business Park Infrastructure Expansion, as well as a number of key infrastructure projects like the Chepstow Bridge.
Brockton tried to engage the community through a new website this year called Build Your Brockton, which allowed residents to go online and complete a survey and contribute comments regarding what they wanted to see addressed in the budget. Serratore points out that the response was very positive and many residents used the platform to inform council on things they wanted to see in this year's budget.
