City council is asking residents for options to help reduce upcoming tax increases. Pictured: Niagara Falls City Council members. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.
The City of Niagara Falls finds itself at a fiscal crossroads. In one regard, there is an increasing demand for quality municipal services. However, the cost of delivering these essentials is going up and municipal finances are being squeezed. As well, most taxpayers can’t afford a major tax hike.
In recognition of this complex reality, residents have been asked to complete the annual Budget Engagement Survey, where they can specify their individual needs and priorities. City council says that they will incorporate the survey results into the construction of Budget 2025.
The survey poses numerous queries through which local citizens can share their views. Surveyors are questioned about whether numerous investments/services should be increased, decreased, or maintained at their current level. Residents are also asked to consider how the municipal tax rate should be set and how user fees can be best managed. They are additionally able to order their top priorities for the next five years.
Jason Burgess, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Niagara Falls, has been adamant that changes are needed so that the city can live within its fiscal means while continuing to provide the most essential services that residents rely on. Burgess confirmed that municipal taxes would have to increase by 3.9 per cent if services are continued at their current level through 2025.
Council asked for options that would reduce the necessary tax increase. Possible options have been shared with council and will be discussed further during the budget process.
Since pre-budget consultations began earlier this year, Burgess has sought to emphasize the importance of recognizing the connection between services and taxes. Namely, that cuts to services are the price that comes with lowering taxes. Burgess has also signalled that it would be unrealistic to think that there is a perfect remedy that would make everyone happy.
Similar sentiments have been articulated by Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.
“Really, there’s just two things we can do… we can raise taxes or we cut services,” Didoati said while reflecting on the preliminary budget outlook report. “Those are the choices, and I know people will say cut services. That’s fine until we don’t plow your road, or we don’t pave your road, or we don’t do something people want. So, it’s finding that balance.”
The Budget Survey will be available on the “Let’s Talk Niagara Falls” website until Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm. Residents can access the survey by following the instructions at this link: Niagara Falls Budget Engagement Survey.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
