Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2023

St. Thomas Council Passes 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets

ST. THOMAS, ON –

At the December 4^th meeting, St. Thomas Council members were presented with the draft 2024 operating and capital budgets. Following careful deliberations and consultation with civic administration, Council passed the 2024 budget with a levy increase of 2.95%. The budget reflects thoughtful investments to provide essential services and community programming, while ensuring municipal assets and infrastructure are properly managed.

The annual budget process details the cost of delivering essential services while ensuring that allocations are aligned with Council’s strategic objectives of a thriving, compassionate, and vibrant community. The budget must also meet service, infrastructure, and legislative requirements within a transparent and financially sound context.

Mayor Joe Preston commented, “As we embark on the next 12 months, St. Thomas can look forward to many exciting projects and investments as part of both the municipal budget, as well as other private and public investments. We will continue to manage our assets and invest in our infrastructure, and work to modernize and enhance existing programs and services. At the same time, our community can look forward to improvements, growth, and renewal. We hope that all residents will continue to be proud to call St. Thomas home.”

The $192,000,000 budget, consisting of $140,000,000 in operating expenses and $52,000,000 in capital expenses, will allow the City of St. Thomas to deliver high quality municipal services its residents deserve and expect.

“The 2024 budget will allow the City of St. Thomas to meet the needs of residents, while also moving forward with its plans for growth and development. We will continue to pursue enhancements to quality programs and support services in the City of St. Thomas. I would like to thank staff for their work on building this budget and Council for their support,” said Dan Sheridan, Director of Finance and City Treasurer.

With an approved 2.95% annual tax increase, the average St. Thomas home will pay approximately $3,055 (excluding education) for city property taxes in 2024. This represents a total increase to an average household of $88 per year compared to 2023.

Key Initiatives for 2024 include:

• Complete streets
• Increased funding for new Animal Shelter
• Playground replacement– Goddeeris-Luyks Park
• Increased funding for pumper truck replacement
• Road rehabilitation
• Airport PAPI Lighting
•  Jaycees Pool Rehabilitation
•  Trail developments and solar lighting