As your City Council it is our priority to demonstrate fiscal discipline by making financial decisions that consider short and long-term costs alongside the value of our services to the community. These are the goals and principles we adhere to when formulating and debating our yearly budget.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 11, we held public meetings to review the City’s activities over the last year and a proposed budget for 2025-2029, with a focus on the 2025 plan. Residents can submit feedback to the City’s Finance Department via email at finance_info@abbotsford.ca until Jan. 6, 2025.
Staff developed our 2025-2029 Financial Plan in alignment with our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Some of the most significant tax-supported items in the financial plan are Abbotsford Police Department services at $75.1 million; Parks, Recreation and Culture programs and services at $40.5 million; Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service at $29.1 million; and new and replacement infrastructure at $23.5 million.
The budget includes approximately $84 million in capital expenses in the first year of the plan. Major projects for 2025 include road resurfacing, continued railway crossing and intersection improvements, drainage culvert replacements, renewal of an airport runway and sewage treatment plant infrastructure, bike lane and sidewalk programs, water and sewer mains, fleet and IT upgrades and neighbourhood parks, amenities and washroom development. Because of Abbotsford’s financial position, the City is able to manage and fund these projects though reserves, rather than taking on debt or further raising taxes.
The 2025 property tax increase could vary for property owners depending on how the assessed value of their property by BC Assessment changes compared with the average change across Abbotsford. You can learn more about our budgeting process and financial plan on our website.
Council will make our final considerations over the budget at our Jan. 21, 2025 meeting.
Abbotsford City Council