2024 Budget Consultation

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This project is no longer open for input.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024 budget consultation.

What we heard: Staff presented a report with the public engagement results at the Finance Committee meeting on February 20, 2024 (see agenda item 4.5).

On April 23, 2023 staff present the 2024-2028 Five-Year Financial Plan (agenda item 11.1) to Finance Committee.


The budget process is about balancing the delivery of services and programs (spending) with property taxes, fees and charges, and funds from other sources (revenues) to meet the needs of the community. Your input helps Council and the City find that balance and provide the best value for your tax dollars.

In 2024, the City is proposing to collect $59,143,000 – approximately $5,368,000 more than last year – in property taxes from residents and businesses to balance the budget. The proposed tax rate increase for the average household is 8.37 per cent. This means in 2024 the average household would see an increase of approximately $224 for the year – that’s $4.31 per week or $0.61 per day. “Average household” refers to a Port Moody residential property assessed by BC Assessment at the preliminary 2024 average amount of $1,248,000.

Find out more:

The 2024 budget survey and question forum are now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide input.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024 budget consultation.

What we heard: Staff presented a report with the public engagement results at the Finance Committee meeting on February 20, 2024 (see agenda item 4.5).

On April 23, 2023 staff present the 2024-2028 Five-Year Financial Plan (agenda item 11.1) to Finance Committee.


The budget process is about balancing the delivery of services and programs (spending) with property taxes, fees and charges, and funds from other sources (revenues) to meet the needs of the community. Your input helps Council and the City find that balance and provide the best value for your tax dollars.

In 2024, the City is proposing to collect $59,143,000 – approximately $5,368,000 more than last year – in property taxes from residents and businesses to balance the budget. The proposed tax rate increase for the average household is 8.37 per cent. This means in 2024 the average household would see an increase of approximately $224 for the year – that’s $4.31 per week or $0.61 per day. “Average household” refers to a Port Moody residential property assessed by BC Assessment at the preliminary 2024 average amount of $1,248,000.

Find out more:

The 2024 budget survey and question forum are now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide input.

This project is no longer open for input.

Do you have a question about the budget process or the 2024-2028 Provisional Financial Plan? Post it here and we’ll reply on this page or via email within three business days.

  • Share Could you please explain the cost of $250,000 listed as "CP Settlement" from the executive summary? What department or General Manager can I find this expense in the draft financial plan. Thank you. on Facebook Share Could you please explain the cost of $250,000 listed as "CP Settlement" from the executive summary? What department or General Manager can I find this expense in the draft financial plan. Thank you. on Twitter Share Could you please explain the cost of $250,000 listed as "CP Settlement" from the executive summary? What department or General Manager can I find this expense in the draft financial plan. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Could you please explain the cost of $250,000 listed as "CP Settlement" from the executive summary? What department or General Manager can I find this expense in the draft financial plan. Thank you. link

    Could you please explain the cost of $250,000 listed as "CP Settlement" from the executive summary? What department or General Manager can I find this expense in the draft financial plan. Thank you.

    P.M. asked 4 months ago

    This was an administrative error and is not in the draft 2024 Financial Plan.

  • Share Why is the executive summary not the same as the draft summary? The column showing the percentage increase per line item has been removed, could you please explain why? Thank you. on Facebook Share Why is the executive summary not the same as the draft summary? The column showing the percentage increase per line item has been removed, could you please explain why? Thank you. on Twitter Share Why is the executive summary not the same as the draft summary? The column showing the percentage increase per line item has been removed, could you please explain why? Thank you. on Linkedin Email Why is the executive summary not the same as the draft summary? The column showing the percentage increase per line item has been removed, could you please explain why? Thank you. link

    Why is the executive summary not the same as the draft summary? The column showing the percentage increase per line item has been removed, could you please explain why? Thank you.

    P.M. asked 4 months ago

    Omitting percentages and only presenting tax increase values in absolute dollars provides a straightforward and clear approach, catering to audiences who prefer tangible, concrete figures for better accessibility and understanding.


  • Share Could you please explain why in prior years the percentage increase has always been stated as the last % line item on the executive summary? Currently the approx. additional expenses from the executive summary equals $5,368,000 or 10.09%. However the city is saying that the tax increase is 8.37%. Why the change in methodology when reporting out to the public? For example last year (2023) the Executive Summary change over 2022 started at 11.33% which was then worked down to approved 9.29%. The percentage increase has always been what is shown on the executive summary. Stating an average tax rate increase does not tie into the draft five year financial plan. Thank you. on Facebook Share Could you please explain why in prior years the percentage increase has always been stated as the last % line item on the executive summary? Currently the approx. additional expenses from the executive summary equals $5,368,000 or 10.09%. However the city is saying that the tax increase is 8.37%. Why the change in methodology when reporting out to the public? For example last year (2023) the Executive Summary change over 2022 started at 11.33% which was then worked down to approved 9.29%. The percentage increase has always been what is shown on the executive summary. Stating an average tax rate increase does not tie into the draft five year financial plan. Thank you. on Twitter Share Could you please explain why in prior years the percentage increase has always been stated as the last % line item on the executive summary? Currently the approx. additional expenses from the executive summary equals $5,368,000 or 10.09%. However the city is saying that the tax increase is 8.37%. Why the change in methodology when reporting out to the public? For example last year (2023) the Executive Summary change over 2022 started at 11.33% which was then worked down to approved 9.29%. The percentage increase has always been what is shown on the executive summary. Stating an average tax rate increase does not tie into the draft five year financial plan. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Could you please explain why in prior years the percentage increase has always been stated as the last % line item on the executive summary? Currently the approx. additional expenses from the executive summary equals $5,368,000 or 10.09%. However the city is saying that the tax increase is 8.37%. Why the change in methodology when reporting out to the public? For example last year (2023) the Executive Summary change over 2022 started at 11.33% which was then worked down to approved 9.29%. The percentage increase has always been what is shown on the executive summary. Stating an average tax rate increase does not tie into the draft five year financial plan. Thank you. link

    Could you please explain why in prior years the percentage increase has always been stated as the last % line item on the executive summary? Currently the approx. additional expenses from the executive summary equals $5,368,000 or 10.09%. However the city is saying that the tax increase is 8.37%. Why the change in methodology when reporting out to the public? For example last year (2023) the Executive Summary change over 2022 started at 11.33% which was then worked down to approved 9.29%. The percentage increase has always been what is shown on the executive summary. Stating an average tax rate increase does not tie into the draft five year financial plan. Thank you.

    P.M. asked 4 months ago

    The executive summary was designed to offer a thorough understanding of the change in the city's budget regardless of tax classes. The 10.09% increase is the result of the increase in tax revenue required to balance the budget relative to 2023 tax revenues. The overall budget increase lacks precision in conveying the tax impact for the average household. As the residential tax class holds more relevance, we have chosen to highlight the 8.37% increase that the average household would realize, rather than the broader 10.09%. We feel this approach provides residents with a better perspective on the potential tax increase and how it may impact them directly. 

  • Share Why were the budget presentations from each General Manager presented in a closed door workshop to Councillors? Hearing what the budget drivers are from each GM was always very helpful. This new format lacks transparency, while I appreciate that the budget was released earlier than previous years. For those that do follow the budget process from start to finish I much prefer that all information be presented in chambers so that the public can watch and then use recorded information for future reference and understanding of all city expenses. Thank you. on Facebook Share Why were the budget presentations from each General Manager presented in a closed door workshop to Councillors? Hearing what the budget drivers are from each GM was always very helpful. This new format lacks transparency, while I appreciate that the budget was released earlier than previous years. For those that do follow the budget process from start to finish I much prefer that all information be presented in chambers so that the public can watch and then use recorded information for future reference and understanding of all city expenses. Thank you. on Twitter Share Why were the budget presentations from each General Manager presented in a closed door workshop to Councillors? Hearing what the budget drivers are from each GM was always very helpful. This new format lacks transparency, while I appreciate that the budget was released earlier than previous years. For those that do follow the budget process from start to finish I much prefer that all information be presented in chambers so that the public can watch and then use recorded information for future reference and understanding of all city expenses. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Why were the budget presentations from each General Manager presented in a closed door workshop to Councillors? Hearing what the budget drivers are from each GM was always very helpful. This new format lacks transparency, while I appreciate that the budget was released earlier than previous years. For those that do follow the budget process from start to finish I much prefer that all information be presented in chambers so that the public can watch and then use recorded information for future reference and understanding of all city expenses. Thank you. link

    Why were the budget presentations from each General Manager presented in a closed door workshop to Councillors? Hearing what the budget drivers are from each GM was always very helpful. This new format lacks transparency, while I appreciate that the budget was released earlier than previous years. For those that do follow the budget process from start to finish I much prefer that all information be presented in chambers so that the public can watch and then use recorded information for future reference and understanding of all city expenses. Thank you.

    P.M. asked 4 months ago

    The closed-door budget workshop provides opportunities for General Managers to openly discuss challenges, potential risks, and proposed solutions without concerns about premature disclosure. This format is a crucial component of the initial phases of the budget planning process, providing a platform for staff to thoroughly explore a range of options while safeguarding sensitive information that is not intended for public release at early stages. Staff recognize the challenge that this presented for the 2024 budget and are reviewing the process in order to implement some additional changes which would allow some public involvement for next year.

  • Share Every year we are asked to approve increases to property taxes and the council can always come up with reasons that these increases are necessary (pandemic, loss of revenue, inflation, etc.). Can we see a plan that includes future tax cuts after meeting certain financial goals? on Facebook Share Every year we are asked to approve increases to property taxes and the council can always come up with reasons that these increases are necessary (pandemic, loss of revenue, inflation, etc.). Can we see a plan that includes future tax cuts after meeting certain financial goals? on Twitter Share Every year we are asked to approve increases to property taxes and the council can always come up with reasons that these increases are necessary (pandemic, loss of revenue, inflation, etc.). Can we see a plan that includes future tax cuts after meeting certain financial goals? on Linkedin Email Every year we are asked to approve increases to property taxes and the council can always come up with reasons that these increases are necessary (pandemic, loss of revenue, inflation, etc.). Can we see a plan that includes future tax cuts after meeting certain financial goals? link

    Every year we are asked to approve increases to property taxes and the council can always come up with reasons that these increases are necessary (pandemic, loss of revenue, inflation, etc.). Can we see a plan that includes future tax cuts after meeting certain financial goals?

    Brad Fessenden asked 4 months ago

    While the prospect of reducing taxes is desirable, certain economic realities constrain immediate decreases. Inflationary pressures continually affect the costs associated with maintaining current services, making it challenging to lower taxes without compromising service quality. Additionally, responding to community expectations for enhanced or new services may necessitate increased funding.

    The City is committed to fiscal responsibility and long-term financial planning. We are dedicated to deliver a balanced budget without compromising service quality.  Through the annual budget process, community involvement is encouraged to gather input on preferences and potential trade-offs between various levels of service and the cost to provide them.

    To attain a sustainable property charge, we are exploring the following options:

    • Responsible debt management
    • Strategic use of reserve funds
    • Fair and sustainable user fees/levies/property taxes system
    • Emerging other revenue sources 


    The City looks for a balanced approach to financial management as we face continued pressure to deal with the impact of inflation and the demand from residents and businesses for expanded services.  While tax reduction may not be feasible due to these pressures, there is a continuous evaluation of financial strategies and a willingness to reassess tax policies as circumstances evolve.

  • Share What is the total annual increase for all the raises you gave to yourselves this year? on Facebook Share What is the total annual increase for all the raises you gave to yourselves this year? on Twitter Share What is the total annual increase for all the raises you gave to yourselves this year? on Linkedin Email What is the total annual increase for all the raises you gave to yourselves this year? link

    What is the total annual increase for all the raises you gave to yourselves this year?

    Pooky21 asked 4 months ago

    For employee groups with a settled collective agreement (CUPE Inside and CUPE Outside) and exempt employees, the 2024 increase is 4%.  For employee groups that have expired collective agreements, estimates have been used based on regional bargaining trends.  The 2024 salary increase for Council will be based on final 2023 inflation figures.  

    Salary and wages, including benefits and overhead, are increasing by $2.76 million compared to 2023.  This also includes the second-year phase in of new positions approved as part of the 2023 budget.

  • Share Community Development has the biggest increase to $1.114M, yet in 2022 the actuals were only $484K and spent in "scattered" categories Vs what as shown as budget. What is the plan and what will ti accomplish Vs 2022? on Facebook Share Community Development has the biggest increase to $1.114M, yet in 2022 the actuals were only $484K and spent in "scattered" categories Vs what as shown as budget. What is the plan and what will ti accomplish Vs 2022? on Twitter Share Community Development has the biggest increase to $1.114M, yet in 2022 the actuals were only $484K and spent in "scattered" categories Vs what as shown as budget. What is the plan and what will ti accomplish Vs 2022? on Linkedin Email Community Development has the biggest increase to $1.114M, yet in 2022 the actuals were only $484K and spent in "scattered" categories Vs what as shown as budget. What is the plan and what will ti accomplish Vs 2022? link

    Community Development has the biggest increase to $1.114M, yet in 2022 the actuals were only $484K and spent in "scattered" categories Vs what as shown as budget. What is the plan and what will ti accomplish Vs 2022?

    Gary S. asked 4 months ago

    In the 2024 budget Community Development spending is planned to increase to $1.145M (net of revenues), while the 2022 actuals were $470K (budgeted at $852k). The positive 2022 variance is attributed to various factors, including higher licensing and permit revenue than budgeted, while staff vacancies led to salary savings, contributing to the reduction in net expenses.  The financial results of 2022 are not necessarily expected to be replicated in 2023 or 2024 resulting in the need for the $1.145M budget.