Achi news desk-
Halifax’s new municipal budget includes a tax increase on residents and more than $1 billion.
According to a news release from the Halifax Regional Municipality, council approved $1.04 billion for the operating budget and $306.5 million for the capital budget for 2024-2025. Last year’s budget had an operating budget of $979.6 million and $333.3 million for the capital budget.
“It was a challenging debate on the budget, and I believe that the Council has succeeded in supporting growth, maintaining services and fulfilling significant commitments to our communities,” said Mayor Mike Savage in the statement.
The budget includes a 6.3 percent increase in the average residential tax bill, which will roughly equate to $214. The municipality will no longer need to collect and remit taxes for the province for housing and corrections.
“Our approach in this budgeting process has been to balance the demand and the cost of services, while aligning expenditure with the priorities of the Regional Council and being financially responsible,” said Cathie O’Toole, chief administrative officer, in the statement.
Budget highlights include:
- $271 million for the Mill Cove Ferry Terminal project
- $18.6 million for capital projects as part of HalifACT: Climate Action Together
- $75 million in tax relief budgeted for charitable and non-profit organizations
- $2.4 million to fund the Integrated Mobility plan
- $2.3 million for community safety programs and new jobs
- $2 million for the conversion of a 24/7 fire station in Hammonds Plains
