A city committee is currently trying to cut the proposed increase to your property taxes in half. However, it will still mean a hike to your tax bill.
Ottawa taxpayers are currently facing a combined 10 per cent increase in property taxes and user fees.
That means the average Ottawa homeowner will have to pay about $300 more on their taxes. That number does not include a nine per cent hike in water and sewage rates.
Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien says a 10 per cent increase is not acceptable, especially when inflation rates are low.
Proposed increases to your taxes:
- Property tax increase: $202 (based on the average urban homeowner)
- Green bin fee: $68
- Recycling fee: $41
If the city does not find ways to lower taxes, O'Brien says seniors and low income families will be hit hard.
Each city department put forward its own budget earlier this fall. The audit committee will now examine each of those budgets to determine if any cuts can be made.
The city's budget will be tabled to council on Dec. 9.
