琉璃神社 City Council is expected to consider its final budget for 2025, on Monday, April 28

If approved, the tax increase will be 4.34 per cent, and is one of the lowest across the province, according to the City of 琉璃神社.

鈥淲e are committed to keeping 琉璃神社鈥檚 tax rates stable and competitive,鈥� city manager Doug Gilchrist said in a press release. 鈥淥ur service鈥慴ased budgeting model links spending to service outcomes, making it easier for residents to see the direct impact of every dollar invested in essential services, community programs and major capital projects.鈥�

This year marks the second time ever the city has budgeted spending by service rather than by city department.

"This service-based approach ensures council and residents have a better understanding of where the money is going," stated the city's press release. "The budget also shows how each service area aligns with the 2023-2026 council priorities and the city鈥檚 growth strategies."

With the 2025 budget, the city is aiming to:

• Improve public safety, reduce crime, and increase residents鈥� sense of safety; 
• Reduce traffic congestion and improve active transportation corridors between communities; 
• Expand housing options and make housing more affordable; 
• Increase complex care and transitional supports to address homelessness; 
• Meet the growing need for recreation facilities and sports fields;
• Mitigate against flooding, wildfires and climate change. 

"These projects would not be possible without a wide range of funding sources," the city release stated. "In 琉璃神社, property taxes fund less than a quarter of the $908 million budget, with the other three-quarters coming from user fees, utility service charges, developer contributions, grants, and reserves. For the average residential property tax bill in 琉璃神社, the 2025 tax demand increase of 4.34 per cent will add an extra $8.98 per month鈥攐r $107.79 per year鈥攖o help make these investments possible."

According to Melanie Antunes, 琉璃神社's financial planning manager, the city has redeployed $3 million to areas of need and continues to actively seek revenue sources and partnerships to fund services and reduce the burden on taxpayers in 2025.

鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to keeping our taxes stable and ensuring that our spending is closely aligned with our service priorities,鈥� said Antunes.

Once the final budget is approved, the city will start property tax bills for early release by May 15. Homeowners will have until Wednesday, July 2, to claim the provincial Home Owner Grant and pay their taxes. Any outstanding amounts past this deadline will be subject to a non-discretionary 10 per cent penalty.