Taxes and budget on the table as Burlington mayor schedules several public meetings

Burlington’s mayor intends to meet with members of the public over the next several weeks to talk about taxes and the 2025 city budget.

With budget preparations already underway, the mayor believes input from the community is crucial to set priorities and goals for the upcoming year.

The city’s public engagement opportunities include pre-budget consultation sessions hosted by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, an online survey, a telephone town hall, council and committee meetings, a Get Involved Burlington webpage, and the Food for Feedback event.

Each year, the City of Burlington reviews the annual budget to make sure it has the funds needed for city operations, programs and services.

“It’s vital to hear from residents as we prepare the 2025 budget,” said the mayor. “The annual budget reflects our priorities as a community. Your views help shape how council will amend and ultimately vote.”

This year, the city has identified four main principles to help balance today’s expenses while investing in the future:

• Affordability

• Livability

• Sustainability

• Transparency

Residents and business owners are also invited to share their input at the in-person Food for Feedback event on Sept. 14

Here are the locations where the mayor will be in attendance for residents to give feedback on the budget process. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Drive.

Monday, Sept. 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m., La Salle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Boulevard East.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Haber Recreation Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive, Room 1

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Central Arena, 519 Drury Lane, Auditorium

Thursday, Oct. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Appleby Ice Centre, 1201 Appleby Line, Community Room 1

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant Street, Community Room 1

Residents and business owners are also invited to share their input at the in-person Food for Feedback event on Sept. 14

Feedback can also be given through the 2025 Budget Survey. The survey is open until Oct. 9, 2024.

Here are other key dates in Burlington’s budget process:

Sept. 13 – Draft 2025 Budget
City provides summary of the draft 2025 budget for public consultation and input.

Oct. 25 – Mayor’s proposed budget report posted

Nov. 4 – Burlington City council meeting
The Mayor, under the Strong Mayors legislation, will present the 2025 proposed budget to Burlington City Council. Council members can bring amendments to the budget for a council vote. The public will be given time to review and provide input on the proposed budget.

Nov.  7 – Budget telephone town hall
Residents can join the call starting at 7 p.m. to ask questions about the 2025 proposed budget. The telephone town will be hosted by Mayor Meed Ward and run until 8:30 p.m. Visit www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget for details.

Nov. 18 and 21 – Budget committee meetings

Nov. 25 – Special council meeting for budget approval.