Beaumont City Council last night approved a budget for 2021 that includes no tax increase for residents and businesses, while also moving several capital projects forward.
“The past year weighed heavily on our minds as council began setting the direction for the city’s 2021 budget,” said Mayor John Stewart. “We recognize that the events of the past year will have real impacts for a long time to come, and we had to be careful not to create an additional burden for our residents and businesses.”
The 2021 budget follows three years of successively lower tax increases and is intended to help residents and businesses manage the cost of living.
Utility rates will increase a total of 4.26 per cent, or about $4.63 per month for the typical home, reflecting increased costs from the regional wastewater commission and allocations for replacement of utility infrastructure. There were no changes to franchise fees on electricity or natural gas.
“This budget provides stability for the community during a difficult time,” said Mayor Stewart. “It reflects council’s priorities of protecting services while managing costs, maintaining a high quality of life for residents, and promoting economic opportunity for Beaumont.”
City administration delivered more than $400,000 worth of internal savings and efficiencies, as detailed in the budget. Among other accomplishments, the 2021 budget will:
- Modernize and streamline how the city operates by supporting opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce red tape;
- Continue to provide residents with valued public services that keep the city moving, such as recreation, fire protection, policing, snow control and garbage collection; and
- Make Beaumont investment-ready with the right plans and people.
Budget 2021 also adds value to the community with projects such as an artificial multi-use field at Four Seasons Park, rejuvenating ball diamonds and several older playgrounds, extending the lifespan of the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre, and replacing aged fleet vehicles and equipment, including a ladder truck for the Beaumont Fire Service.
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