Delta council gave final approval to the city's 2025 budget Monday evening (Dec. 16), including a 6.75 per cent overall property tax increase to fund enhanced services and "much-needed" capital projects in the coming year.
For an average Delta home valued at $1.3 million, the increase 鈥� one per cent less than in 2024 鈥� is equal to about $195 for the year, or $16 per month.
Delta's 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan includes funding for facility improvements, updated park infrastructure, new watermains and sewers, roadway improvements and bus stop and accessibility enhancements, all part of a "bold plan to invest in community-building programs and much-needed capital projects," according to a city press release.
鈥淭he adoption of the 2025 budget is an important milestone and a moment to reflect on the city鈥檚 goals and priorities for the next year,鈥� Mayor George Harvie said in a press release. 鈥淲e have a vibrant, growing community, and this budget ensures we are continuing to invest in the things that make Delta such a fantastic place to live.
"From large capital projects to the daily maintenance of our roads and funding for top-notch recreation programs, there is no shortage of important work in store for 2025. I look forward to seeing this work come to fruition for the benefit of our whole community.鈥�
The city's 2025 financial plan totals $552 million: $257.4 million for general operating funds, $66.8 million for utilities operating funds, and $228.1 million for capital spending.
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The operating expenses include $103.2 million for protective services (police, fire and emergency services), $66.9 million for general government (including administration, finance and other general services), $30.3 million for parks, recreation and culture, $28.7 million for engineering, $1.5 million for facilities and major projects, $9.1 million for development and $4.7 million for the regional library.
The capital plan totals $153.1 million, with the biggest chunks for civic buildings, at $68.6 million; engineering (roads, drainage, irrigation, utility infrastructure) at $58 million; and parks, recreation and culture at $17.3 million.
Capital project highlights include the Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre rebuild, Ladner waterfront revitalization, field upgrades at Seaquam and South Delta Secondary, upgrades at Annieville Park and Cromie Park, a multi-use pathway and road improvements along 96th Avenue between 116th Street and Scott Road (happening jointly with the City of 性视界传媒), parking lot resurfacing at Sungod Recreation Centre, Scottsdale Sanitary Pump Station upgrades and infrastructure upgrades to allow for new housing growth.
To pay for it all, the city is raising property taxes 4.75 per cent for city services and another two per cent for a recreation capital investment levy.
Utility rates are also set to rise, with the flat rate for water up 11.5 per cent ($6 per month); sewer up 35 per cent ($14 per month) and solid waste by 4.7 per cent ($1 per month). Council also gave fourth and final reading to the 2025 Utility User Rates Monday night.
Monday's approval of the budget follows a public consultation process and two open council budget workshops, with the city hearing from nearly 1,000 residents in the process.
The city's tax rate bylaw will be officially adopted in April or May, 2025.
鈥� with files from Julie MacLellan
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