Statement from the City of Kingston as Council decides on municipal budget

The following is a press release from the City of Kingston:

Council chambers have been active these past few nights, as budget presentations from City departments, Utilities Kingston and City-funded external agencies and boards have been underway.

Activity culminated last night, with city council reviewing and recommending a 2019 tax-supported operating budget of $388.6 million, and a capital budget of $51.8 million. They also reviewed and recommended a utility-related operating budget of $61 million for 2019 and $62.3 million for 2020, including multi-year utility rate increases and a four-year capital budget of $153.6 million.

The municipal operating budget incorporates a 2.5 per cent tax rate increase – one per cent of which is earmarked for capital infrastructure.

This budget was developed to maintain service levels and to conclude on some of the priorities of the previous Council. Strategic priorities for the new council term will be established by council later this spring.

“The approved budget ensures that resources are available to continue to deliver the quality day to day services that residents demand.  It also incorporates a dedicated one per cent increase for capital infrastructure investment to help maintain the City’s infrastructure,” says Desiree Kennedy, chief financial officer and City treasurer.

Budget bylaws will go to council for final approval on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019.

Your property taxes pay for services like garbage pick-up, transit, road and bridge maintenance, policing, recreational programs, emergency services, libraries, museums, community services, crossing-guards, and Rideaucrest long-term care.

The capital budget supports a variety of projects, including the ongoing rehabilitation and replacement of capital infrastructure and other capital priorities.