Municipal Budget Overview
The Municipality of Meaford's budget has two main components: Operating and Capital. Operational budgeting is the financial backbone of a municipality's day-to-day activities covering the ongoing costs of running municipal services and maintaining community resources. Capital budgeting focuses on long-term investments and infrastructure projects.
Allocation of Taxes
Tax money is allocated to municipalities, provinces, and counties to fund local, regional, and county-specific services and infrastructure, with the exception of water and wastewater.
Of taxes collected, the allocation is:
- Municipality of Meaford - 60%
- Grey County - 26%
- Province of Ontario (for education) - 14%
Areas of Responsibility
FAQ
| What is an operating budget? |
The Municipality’s Operating Budget is the source of funding for all day-to-day programs and services provided by the Municipality of Meaford’s. It includes services such as:
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| What is a capital budget? |
Capital Budget outlines how the municipality will pay for large-scale projects and investments in physical infrastructure. This includes projects such as:
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| How much of the Operating Budget comes from taxes? |
| In 2024, the total operating expenses were $29,069,670 but the total tax levy required (amount from taxpayers) was $13,731,230.
The difference between what is spent and what is required from taxpayers is offset by grants, user fees (excluding water/wastewater), and other revenues as Council and staff work hard to stretch every tax dollar as far as possible. |
| How are capital projects such as road repaving prioritized? |
| Capital projects like road repaving are prioritized using the Municipality's Asset Management Plan (AMP) and State of Infrastructure (SOTI) report. These assess road conditions, prioritize repairs, and estimate costs. Updated traffic data helps ensure decisions meet maintenance standards. Projects are prioritized based on these assessments and available budget. |
| How does the budget affect my property taxes? |
| The budget consists of all the expected costs for the Municipality to provide a wide range of services to residents. To help pay for these costs the Municipality issues property tax bills to residents for their share of these costs based on the assessment of their property. Together with the province and county budget changes, the Municipality calculates the total percentage increase for all three and applies that increase to property owners taxes for the year. |
| How are water and wastewater improvements paid for? |
| Water and wastewater costs are paid by the users of these services unlike the rest of the budget which is paid for by all property owners of the Municipality. Any funds budgeted for water and wastewater services can only be used for these services and unspent funds are put into reserves for future water and wastewater costs. Wherever possible the Municipality uses grants and other revenue sources such as development charges to help offset these costs. |
2025 Budget Timeline
Thank you to everyone who participated in our budget survey! Stay informed about the 2025 budget process by noting the important dates below.
Tabling of Draft 2025 Fees and Charges
Date: Monday, October 7, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Budget Training (closed session)
Date: Friday, November 1, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tabling of Draft Budget and Presentation of 2025 Tax Supported Operating and Capital Budgets
Date: Monday, November 4 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Statutory Public Meeting (Special Meeting of Council) Fees and Charges
Date: Monday, November 4, at 5:00 PM
Council Budget Day - Operational
Date: Tuesday, November 12, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Council Budget Day - Capital and Enhancements
Date: Friday, November 15 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Final Considerations/Additional Deliberation of Draft Budget (if needed)
Date: Tuesday, November 19 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Statutory Public Meeting (Special Meeting of Council)
Date: Monday, November 25 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Final Approval of 2025 Budgets
Date: Monday, December 9 at 1:00 PM
These meetings are subject to change. All public meetings are available for residents to attended in person at Council Chambers (157859, 7th Line, Meaford) or online via YouTube livestream.
Get Involved in the 2025 Budget
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| Email Us |
| 2024 Budget Resources |
The 2024 Budget was adopted on February 26, 2024.Municipal staff, at the direction of Council, provided a budget with a total tax increase of 3.44%, including the County and Education portions. The average Meaford homeowner with a property assessment of $300,000, will see an increase of about $12.50/month or $150 yearly. Paper copies of the budget can be available upon request. Final 2024 Capital and Operating Budget Book 2024 Fees & Charges |
| Previous Budget Resources |
Financial StatementsConsultant Report |
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