Hamilton looking at tax hike

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How high can they go?. That’s what a lot of Hamilton homeowners are asking tonight after learning that their property taxes could be going up again this year.

How high can they go ?. How about 4.4%. That’s what city staff are proposing in this year’s budget. But it’s just an ask — it doesn’t mean that’s what they’ll get.

The proposed budget calls for a hike in municipal taxes of 4.4%. Staff say the extra 34 million dollars in revenue is needed to offset the increased costs of infrastructure improvements and to maintain the current level of services.

But asking for more money and actually getting it are two very different things.

Property taxes in Hamilton are already higher than most cities in Ontario.

A recent staff report showed that Hamilton taxes are 9% greater than the mean of 16 cities studied.

Staff point to a decade’s long decline in the city’s industrial base as the reason why
homeowners shoulder most of the burden.

Asking Hamilton taxpayers to pay even more may not be an easy sell.

“Four percent is a lot of money. I think that for many people that aren’t getting increases in their jobs and are maintaining minimum wage its a big burden for them. I think are taxes are high and people are struggling.”

“I am frustrated with property taxes they’re pretty high but we do get a fair bit for it.”

“I actually think we pay a lot in taxes already. I live in this area and our taxes are quite high. the property taxes. I think four percent is a big increase.”

“I think it’s a little bit high. Like before it was 1.5 or so. That seemed like a better limit to set I think. (You think if they could get it down under two percent you’d be fine?) Yup.”

And that’s exactly what may happen.

At this stage, the 4.4% increase is just a request. The proposal must still be approved by city council. Last year, staff proposed a similar hike but ended up getting half that, which is what could end up happening again. Debate on this budget begins Friday.