By Pepper Parr
August 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayoral aspirant Lisa Kearns: Look closely at how tightly the fingers are held.
Mayoral aspirant Lisa Kearns, currently the Councillor for ward 2, was first out of the gate with a skewed take on what the city is going to look to the public for in taxes to cover all the spending that is taking place.
Kearns published her August newsletter earlier today.
The City of Burlington collects the taxes for the Boards of Education and for the Regional government that includes the Police Services.
However, what the seven members of Council are responsible for is what they approve in the way of spending by the city.
The Boards of Education, the Region and the Police Services determine their own budgets; all Burlington does is collect the tax money on their behalf. Keep that fact in mind when you read material sent to you.
It is convenient for the city to publish the lowest number possible.
The projected total tax increase is currently 4.49%. As part of the budget process, Council endorsed a Mayoral Direction for City staff to prepare a proposed budget with a total tax increase in the order of 4.5 per cent. The total tax increase includes services delivered by Burlington, Halton Region (including Police Services), and the Boards of Education.
The tax increase, based on what is known at this point, is likely to be 5.8%
Pay attention to what the members of Council tell you; pay particular attention to how Kearns explains this budget.
What you see now in terms of behaviour is what you will get if you decide to elect her – that of course, is if Kearns decides to run for the office of Mayor.
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