About the 2024 budget

Preparation for the 2024 budget is underway. On November 1, Mayor Mrakas will be publicly releasing his proposed budget that will be presented on November 7 at the Aurora Town Council General Committee meeting. This Budget is the result of a tremendous amount of teamwork, with staff, elected officials, residents and businesses all providing input on priorities during the pre-budget consultations.

This year’s budget process is different due to recent changes in Ontario legislation. The Ontario Government’s Bill 3, Strong Mayors, Building Home Act, granted “Strong Mayor Powers” to many municipalities. These new responsibilities given to mayors are largely aimed at accelerating the housing and the development process at the municipal level, as Ontario faces a generational housing crisis. Traditionally, the municipal budget has been presented by the Chief Administrative Officer, however, the new legislation requires mayors to present the budget.

This budget prioritizes maintaining current services and making strategic investments, all while respecting taxpayer dollars. The 2024 to 2026 Operating Budget proposes tax increases of 3.9 percent in 2024, 3.5 percent in 2025 and 2.9 percent in 2026 after assessment growth forecasted at 1.2 percent annually. The annual increases include a one percent annual increase to capital reserve contributions to support the 10-year capital plan.

A review of the Proposed Mayor’s 2024 Budget will follow based on the below schedule.

Budget Binder

Budget Meeting Schedule

Special Budget Consultation Meeting (Complete) - Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Date: Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers

Agenda: The budget committee will accept suggestions as to how the Town could increase non-tax revenues and/or save money on its delivery of existing processes and services. The budget committee will also ask individuals seeking funding or services in-kind from the Town to make a presentation of any requests of this nature to the committee for its consideration for inclusion in the Town’s upcoming 2024 operating and capital budgets.
Tabling of Town Budget - Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The Mayor will provide the Town’s 2024 to 2026 operating and 2024 capital budget along with 10-year capital plan to members of Council.
Budget Introduction - Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Time: 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers

Agenda: The Mayor and Treasurer will present the corporate overview of the budget to Council.
Budget Review - Monday, November 13, 2023

Date: Monday, November 13, 2023

Time: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers

Agenda: Budget Committee will receive presentations of each department’s three-year operating budget and capital budget.
Budget Review - Monday, November 20, 2023

Date: Monday, November 20, 2023

Time: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers

Agenda: Aurora’s community partners will present their budgets to Budget Committee. The community partners include: Central York Fire Services, Aurora Public Library, Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame, and Aurora Cultural Centre. If needed, further review of the departmental operating and capital budget will continue.
Budget Review - Thursday, November 23, 2023

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023

All Council budget amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget are due to the Clerk by end of the day.
Budget Review - November 27, 2023

Date: Monday, November 27, 2023

Time: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers

Agenda: Special Council meeting to discuss/decide upon proposed amendments to the Mayor’s budget (if required).

Under the new strong mayor powers legislation, the Mayor will then have up to 10 days to veto any amendments approved by Council. Council can subsequently override the Mayor’s veto with a 2/3 majority vote up to 15 days after the veto is made. If necessary, a final special Council meeting may be scheduled on December 22, 2023 at which time the budget will be deemed adopted.