The City of Guelph is proposing a 2.6 per cent increase to residential water bills as part of their 2020 non-tax supported operating budget.
This budget, one of four that city council will deliberate and vote on, covers services such as stormwater management, drinking water and wastewater, along with building permits and court services.
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Parking has also been added to this budget for 2020, but will also be partially covered through property taxes in a separate budget.
The budget identifies the funds required to run these programs and the rates and fees for each of the services, the city said.
The one that directly impacts homeowners’ bottom line will be on their annual water bill, which the city is proposing to increase by $24 on average.
Last year, city council voted in favour of a $12 increase.
The entire proposed budget, released on Thursday, comes in at over $88.4 million.
“The services being delivered through this budget reflect our commitment to the health and safety of our community,” deputy CAO Trevor Lee said. “This budget continues to build on financial sustainability, predictability, continuous service improvement and cost competitiveness.”
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Building permit fees will increase by 2.2 per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2020, and permit fees for the Arthur and Norwich streets parking lots will increase to $100 monthly.
City staff will present the non-tax supported budget to city council on Oct. 30. Delegations will be heard that night and council deliberation and approval will be Nov. 13.
The proposed budget can be read on the city’s website.