What you need to know about 2024 Tax Increases in Grey County and Owen Sound.

Grey County's Tax Levy Increase

Grey County Council has approved a 6.3% tax levy increase for the upcoming year. This decision comes after intense deliberations, with the initial proposal being close to a 15% increase. The average homeowner in Grey County, with a home assessed at $289,000, can expect a $69.28 increase in their county taxes.

Warden Brian Milne, while expressing conflict over the decision, deemed the 6.3% increase reasonable under current circumstances. However, it's worth noting that this increase necessitated budget cuts, including a significant $438,000 reduction in the community transportation budget. This cutback will affect the Grey Transit Route service, a decision Milne found disappointing due to its impact on the accessibility for all residents.

The budget bylaw, based on this levy increase, is set to be officially passed at a later date, with policies and discussions planned for 2024. You can read the full story here.

Owen Sound's City Budget Levy Increase

Meanwhile, in Owen Sound, the council is considering a preliminary budget with a 3.16% city budget levy increase. This increase would result in an average residential taxpayer facing about a $155 increase in property taxes next year. When combined with the Grey County levy, the total increase amounts to 3.63%.

To alleviate some of the financial burdens, the council has made some such as raising bag tags from $2 to $3.50 and shifting the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority levy onto the water rate. These changes aim to generate additional revenue and save on the tax levy.

A public meeting scheduled for January 29 will provide an opportunity for budget input, and the final budget is expected to be passed on February 12, after reviewing a report containing community feedback. Owen Sound has the highest taxes in the region with the average tax payment for a three-bedroom bungalow with 1 1/2 bathrooms and a one-car garage were$4,268, surpassing all other 12 area communities. The other communities, in descending order of their tax rates, were Kincardine ($3,640), Chatsworth ($3,431), Hanover ($3,182), Saugeen Shores ($3,105), South Bruce Peninsula ($3,002), Southgate ($2,967), Meaford ($2,847), Blue Mountains ($2,656), West Grey ($2,536), Grey Highlands ($2,419), and Georgian Bluffs ($1,860).

You can read the full article here.