Port Hope Council passes budget with modest increase

Port Hope Town Hall. Northumberland 89.7 News file photo.

By Cecilia Nasmith

A full-day budget session on Nov. 19 has resulted in a $56-million budget in 2025 for the Municipality of Port Hope, of which $29.6-million will come from the new year's tax levy.

The announcement from the municipality estimates this at a $178 increase for a typical homeowner based on current property assessment, though it did not give this increase in the form of a percentage.

A significant aspect of the budget is funding the final phase of the Walton Street reconstruction project, a $4-million investment that will come from the Hydro Reserve – ensuring no 2025 tax levy increase for capital projects.

The announcement noted a significant public-consultation component, with meetings and presentations throughout the past two months that covered such topics as user fees, community grants, reserve allocations and departmental budgets.

As well, their budget survey saw unprecedented community participation. Mayor Hankivsky said that passing the budget this early is a fiscally responsible move that sets the stage for immediate action in terms of procuring the materials equipment and resources required to move ahead with a number of initiatives identified as priorities for participants in the 2025 budget survey.