City of Hamilton asking residents for input on its 2025 budget

The City of Hamilton is asking residents to have their say in the 2025 budget.

Those wanting to give their input can submit an application to delegate at the general issues committee meeting on Jan. 20.

Mayor Andrea Horwath said in a post to X on Wednesday she encourages "all Hamiltonians to participate in the next delegation opportunity for this year's tax-supported budget."

Residents must submit applications to speak virtually, in person, via a pre-recorded message, or by writing before noon on Jan. 17 on the city's website.

Hamilton residents could see an increase in property taxes of 6.9 per cent, city staff said in late October. Staff also said there could be a 6.8 per cent increase in 2026 and a six per cent increase in 2027, said their report.

According to the city's finance staff, the 2025 budget will likely increase $102.9 million over 2024.

The budget increase would include housing programs, continued recovery from the 2024 ransomware attack, improvements for paramedics and firefighters, infrastructure repairs and improvements and more.

However, in the fall, Horwath asked city staff to try and find savings.

Last year, the city-approved budget saw a 5.8 per cent increase in residential property tax for 2024, which resulted in households paying $286 more.

Council is set to give the budget final approval on Feb. 12.