Burlington 2025 budget approved without councillor endorsements

The City of Burlington’s 2025 budget has been deemed approved, even after some councillors chose not to endorse it.

While amendments to the budget were approved, council did not endorse it because they know that with the province’s strong mayor powers, the vote is more of a technicality.

“Endorse or not, the budget is going forward…it’s really up to the mayor,” Councillor Rory Nisan said.

Under new legislation, the mayor can either present a budget, or ask staff to prepare one.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward asked staff to prepare one back in July, and council agreed with that decision.

“When staff brought forward the budget, council had 30 days to make amendments, so that was the work that was done today,” she said. “If I don’t veto, which I am not doing, it is deemed approved.”

With that, Burlington residents can expect a tax increase of nearly six per cent next year.

This is the second time this action has been taken by councillors in the city, due to concerns about the province’s use of strong mayor powers.

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