February 6, 2024

Town of Sidney presents draft 2024 budget for Council consideration

Sidney, BC – During a Committee of the Whole meeting on February 5th, Town of Sidney staff presented a draft 2024 budget for Council consideration. The draft budget is designed to maintain or enhance existing levels of service to taxpayers, and support Council’s strategic goals. It includes a proposed general tax increase of 8.42%, which represents approximately $142 per year (just under $12 per month) for the average residence valued at $924,000.

The proposed increase is a starting point for upcoming budget deliberations by Council. The starting figure includes a number of new services and initiatives that have not yet been approved by Council.

Some of the key factors behind the proposed increase are:

• Ongoing and cumulative impacts of inflation;
• Increased investment in public safety services provided by the Sidney Fire Department and RCMP;
• Costs of transitioning back to full taxation levels following full utilization of COVID Safe Restart grant funding; and
• Costs associated with transition to a new Chief Administrative Officer.

Members of the public are invited to review and provide feedback on the draft budget. Information about the budgeting process, and the detailed draft budget, can be found on the Town’s Budget page. Feedback can be submitted by writing admin@sidney.ca or by speaking at an upcoming Council meeting. The next budget meetings are scheduled for February 20th and March 5th at 6pm in Council Chambers.