Halifax Budget Committee Seeks Savings Amid Proposed Tax Hike

Members of the Halifax budget committee convened on December 6, 2023, to review the preliminary fiscal plan for the 2026/27 budget. The initial figures indicate a proposed budget increase of $88.9 million, necessitating a substantial 10.5 percent rise in the average property tax bill.

Mayor Andy Fillmore expressed concern over affordability, stating that the proposed increase, along with possible rate hikes from Halifax Water and Nova Scotia Power, is “simply too high for residents.” Fillmore emphasized the need for decision-making that reflects the financial realities faced by the community. “Every decision we make must reflect the realities our residents face,” he stated in a press release following the meeting.

In response to these budgetary challenges, a motion was introduced by Fillmore and subsequently adopted by the committee. This motion directs city staff to identify additional cost savings within the budget. The proposed strategies include exploring a 10 percent cut to program grants, a one-third reduction of the Climate Action Tax, and implementing a staffing freeze.

“Nothing is off the table,” Fillmore remarked, highlighting the necessity for a thorough review of the budget. He further noted that constructive dialogue among council members could lead to decisions that balance fiscal responsibility with compassion for residents.

As the budget deliberations progress into the new year, the committee will continue to evaluate options to mitigate the financial burden on Halifax residents. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in shaping the city’s fiscal policies and addressing the concerns of its citizens.