Council for the Town of Pelham has approved the 2023 Capital and Operating Budgets at their February 6 meeting of council.  The budget process, begins in the late summer each year, and is finalized with the annual approval.

The final tax levy increase for 2023 is 5.90% after 1.55% assessment growth. For the average residential property with an assessed value of $375,000, this would be an increase of approximately $122 per year. The draft 2023 Operating Budget had been previously presented to Committee of the Whole (COW) on January 17, 2023.

“The Town continues to build reserves, which ensures fiscal responsibility that balances the needs of the community while respecting the taxpayer’s ability to pay” said Town of Pelham Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer Teresa Quinlin-Murphy.

The Town budget is about setting goals and building a great community, together. The municipal budget outlines the priorities of the Town of Pelham, determines the level of service provided to Pelham residents and guides decisions on spending for services and infrastructure. Each year, with input from Pelham residents and businesses, Town staff provide a preliminary budget. Then the Mayor and Council make decisions about Pelham services, programs and infrastructure and approve the final budget.

The draft 2023 Water and Wastewater budgets were presented on February 6, and will return to council for consideration of approval on February 21, 2023. Residents will receive the 2023 tax bill in the spring, which is accompanied by supporting material to show the breakdown of how tax dollars are spent within Pelham.

Taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of each property, provided by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and multiplying the assessed value of the property by the total tax rate for the class of property.

Residents can learn more about the budget and schedule, including past reports at www.pelham.ca/budget