Region sets 2 per cent budget increase guideline for 2018

Niagara's Regional Council has directed staff to undertake 2018 budget preparations with a tax levy increase guidance of 2 per cent. 

The guidance corresponds to a 1.5 per cent increase for the Region’s operating budget, and .5 per cent increase earmarked for the upcoming  2021 Canada Summer Games.

The approved budget guidance also applies to the Region’s rate programs of Water and Waste Water and Waste Management.

For the average homeowner with a property valued at $248,200, the 2 per cent increase works out to an increase of $29 dollars on the regional portion of your property tax bill. 

The average homeowner in Niagara currently pays about $1,461 in Regional property taxes each year. 

Regional staff will now spend the next several months developing budget options for council's consideration and approval. 

These options will be presented to Council in the fall when the budget review committee resumes deliberations.