Lowest Tax Rate of Last Two Terms
I find it interesting that when city staff reported the possibility of a 6.5% tax increase it was front page news. However, when Council pared down this estimate to deliver the lowest tax increase of the last two terms of council it was reported on page three of the Mercury.
Well, I certainly feel that the lowest tax increase in 5 years (despite being among the fastest growing urban areas in Canada) is VERY significant.
Along with growth demanding increased use of the city’s roads, water, wastewater, housing and quality parks and public spaces we have dramatically improved public transit with the implementation of 20 minute bus service this year.
6.9% in 2004 – Previous Council
5.1% in 2005 – Previous Council
4.7% in 2006.
4.3% in 2007
3.8% in 2008
How are your Taxes Spent?
In 2008, Guelph collected an average of $2,602 per household in property taxes, based on an average assessment of $238,000. The graph shows how those tax dollars were spent on services provided by the City each month. Some highlights include:
$24/month for 24-hour fire protection services
$12/month for public transit
$9/month for Guelph Public Library
$6/month for curb side waste collection
Taxes in other cities
A recent survey of 79 Ontario municipalities showed that, compared to cities in the area offering the same services per capita, people living in Guelph pay LESS than the average residential taxpayer.
* Data Source: BMA Management Consulting 2007 Municipal Study. Full study available here
