Should Waterloo Raise Property Taxes 7% Annually for Three Years?
Official title: City of Waterloo 2024-2026 Budget
The City of Waterloo is asking residents to weigh in on its 2024-2026 budget. The plan includes property tax increases of about 7% each year—roughly $110-116 more per household annually. The money would fund fire service expansion, better sidewalk snow clearing, and infrastructure repairs.
Why This Matters
Own a home in Waterloo? Your property taxes could go up $336 over three years. Rent? Your landlord might pass costs along. The budget also decides whether your street gets plowed faster and if the fire department can respond quicker.
What Could Change
Property taxes would rise 7.46% in 2024, 7.30% in 2025, and 6.44% in 2026. Fire services would expand. Sidewalk winter maintenance would improve. The city has also identified $2.4M in potential cuts that Council could choose instead.
Key Issues
- Are the proposed property tax increases of 7% annually justified?
- Should fire services be expanded and sidewalk winter maintenance improved?
- Should Council pursue the $2.4M in identified budget reductions instead?
How to Participate
- Complete the budget survey to share your priorities.
- Register for the budget information session on January 9, 2024. Attend in person at the Community Pavilion or join online.
- Review the budget documents and spending priorities to understand the details.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 9, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST | Budget Information Session | Community Pavilion, Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex |