The 2023 Owen Sound budget includes a proposed municipal levy increase of 0.86 per cent, which means an extra $36.38 per year for the average property owner.
Monday night, City Council brought in one of the lowest tax levy increases in more than 12 years after finding savings of more than $720,000.
Some of the priorities this year included offsetting inflationary budget impacts, while ensuring essential public services people can rely on.
Council focused on keeping property tax rates low despite significant economic pressures and changing service demands as COVID-19 recovery continues.
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. About 20 cents of every tax dollar is redirected to the County.
"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," said Mayor Ian Boddy.
