Barrie draft budget keeps city tax rate steady

Barrie residents may not see an increase in the city’s portion of their property taxes next year if the current 2025 draft budget is approved.

Mayor Alex Nuttall has delivered a zero per cent tax increase every year since taking office, and it appears he intends to continue that trend.

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The City’s proposed $342.6 million operating budget shows no increase in the municipal portion of taxes, however, this doesn’t cover costs for service partners like the County of Simcoe, police, and the library.

One proposed change in the budget is a two per cent increase tied to capital infrastructure funding. These funds are crucial for maintaining and upgrading roads, and other public infrastructure across the city.

This marks the first Barrie budget crafted under the Strong Mayors Powers granted by the province, which allows Nuttall to set the budget direction.

The draft will head to the Finance and Responsible Government Committee later this week, with a final decision expected next month.