Norfolk County’s proposed 2022 levy-Supported Operating Budget is now available for public review. It’s available to view online here.
The County’s operating budget is a financial plan for the day-to-day operations of the municipality. It includes cost estimates for the staff salaries, supplies and equipment necessary for delivering County services such as garbage and recycling collection, grass cutting, snow plowing, the operation of recreational facilities and more.
This year’s proposed budget continues the plan to move Norfolk County into a position of long-term financial sustainability.
The 2022 proposed budget would see property taxes on a home with an assessed value of $240,000 in 2021 increase by $74, or 2.3%.
A significant portion of the increase that will be experienced by taxpayers in 2022 is due to the removal of the Levy Relief Strategy. Taxes levied in 2021 were $2 million dollars lower than required, as the budget was balanced through a one-time revenue injection from the Legacy Reserve Fund, which was approved to reduce the property tax increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since this revenue source is no longer being utilized in 2022, taxes must increase by approximately 1.9% to maintain the service levels provided in 2021.
Despite the significant financial pressure due to the Levy Relief Strategy removal, and as a result of the significant work of Council and staff in recent years, the proposed 2022 budget shows the County’s considerable progress in building a strong financial future and presents a stabilized increase in taxes, which was an increase lower than the rate of inflation.
No decisions are final until ratification by Council. Council will consider the budget on January 12 and 13, 2022.
