Halifax approves $1.3-billion budget, 6.3% tax bill increase
Some councillors pose questions around multi-year budgeting
Halifax Regional Municipality has approved a 6.3 per cent tax bill increase as part of a $1.3-billion budget for 2024-25.
Regional council approved the budget, which includes an operating budget of $1.04 billion and a capital budget of $306.5 million, on Tuesday.
In a news release, the city said the budget allows the municipality to keep pace with operating demands posed by significant growth, inflationary pressures and also includes some investments in new or enhanced services.
“It was a challenging budget debate, through which I believe Council managed to support growth, maintain services and meet significant commitments to our communities,” Mayor Mike Savage said in the news release.
Halifax Regional Police received funding for 22 new positions, and RCMP received funding for six officers. The budget also includes $2 million for a 24/7 fire station conversion in Hammonds Plains, $2.3 million for continued community safety programs and new positions, as well as funding for 10 new crossing guards.
There is $7.5 million in tax relief for non-profit and charitable organizations and $18.6 million for capital projects as part of the municipality’s climate change plan. …[Continue Reading]