By Pepper Parr
December 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What is it with a city government that seems incapable of telling taxpayers how big the increase in taxes this year was over the previous year ?
Set out below is a timeline on statements released by city hall sent to us by a Gazette reader.
“The number the city uses, 4.97%, was correct on October 25th, 2025, but became incorrect as soon as the police budget was released on October 31st, 2024. Why did CAO Basit and Mayor Meed Ward continue to use 4.97% as the overall increase on November 4th and November 7th”?
The number they use is an average of the taxes that are paid to school boards, and the Regional government – which includes the Police Services Budget.
What the people paying taxes need and want to know is – how much did the CITY taxes increase this year. In Burlington, that was 7.8%
October 25th, 2024 – Burlington releases the 2025 budget
“The projected overall tax increase for 2025 is now 4.97 percent”.
Burlington’s portion of our tax bill is increasing by 7.5%.
October 30th, 2024 – Halton Police Services Budget is released
Burlington calculated the “overall” increase of 4.97% using a police increase of 5.65%.
The police budget, which Burlington’s council does not control, calls for an 11.84% increase.
The projected overall tax increase for 2025 is now 5.76%.
November 4th, 2024 – Mr. Basit introduces the budget to council
Mr. Basit, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) states “Projected property tax increase is 4.97%”.
November 7th, 2024 – Mayor Meed Ward’s virtual town hall
Mayor Meed Ward states “That total increase is 4.97%. Of that, the city portion is 3.79%.
November 25th, 2024 – Eric Stern delegates to our council
“It was interesting to watch Mr. Basit present a 4.97% on November 4th when the Halton Police budget had been made public on October 30th. Did Mr. Basit knowingly misrepresent the truth?”
December 10th, 2024 – Mayor Meed Ward speaks to this issue
No apology and no explanation to taxpayers.
Does a higher standard of engagement start with clear and accurate information from city hall?
There will be little change in the attitudes of this group of administrators and politicians…… because the community doesn’t make any noise.
When only 30% of eligible voters raise their hands, it’s difficult to get attention.
Complacency is a tough hurdle, especially when people feel their voices won’t make a difference.
We need to find out what motivates the community?
Is it economic impact— or is it fairness or accountability—pointing out how we’re being misled.
Hopefully this group … BRAG …. can continue to challenge this administration and frame a message that resonates with more people, and sparks the engagement that’s been missing.
Change is required at City Hall !!!
There has been much focus on the annual budget, however when I recently asked the City of Burlington for their complete Sep 30, 2024 Financial Statements I was referred to the highlights reported to the Audit Committee on Dec 4, 2024. I want to know how they are currently spending our 2024 Approved Budget, our taxes. I was told that interim statements are not available, only the quarterly highlights and the annual statements are shared online. The annual statements however are consolidated with the Library, Museum and various other Board partners. The City portion only is Not available for taxpayers to view.
The City has also made 2024 Budget restatements. They changed various lines in the 2024 Approved Budget while keeping the total unchanged. The same budget we the taxpayers had input to and thought was final. Spending prioritys can change during the year due to unforeseen circumstances, however normally the budget stays the same and the budget to actual differences are an explainable variance. Thie City of Burlington is not being transparent with our tax dollars.
Mr Speaker, “When will this Mayor inform Buringtonians of the exact amount of increase they will be paying from the previous year”….” Mr Speaker our democracy is under considerable threat from external forces and we all of us must be vigilant to the effects of social media and non-recognised sources of false information, Mr Speaker, we will continue to protect Burlingtonians from these forces of misinformation”….
One of many things this bunch at City Hall deem unimportant enough to explain. Come election time I hope there are people running against those occupying Mayor & Council positions so that maybe we can get people who will engage properly we the taxpayers & not continually muddy the water with inaccurate fairy tales like the current bunch do.