Templestowe Infrastructure Levy Referendum Sets 2027 Start for Rate Adjustments and Project Rollout

The Templestowe City Council placed a ballot measure before voters for the November 3 election that would authorise a 0.5 percent increase in property taxes to pay for local road resurfacing and park upgrades. Passage would apply the levy to all residential and commercial parcels inside city limits starting with the 2027 tax year.

The measure arrives as the council finishes spending from its 2021-2026 capital plan and must identify new revenue for the next round of maintenance. Council documents list 14 streets and three parks whose condition reports show surface cracking or drainage failure that current budgets cannot address.

Projected effects on household bills and service schedules

A homeowner whose property is assessed at $400,000 would face an added $200 on the annual tax bill once the levy takes effect. The same document projects that the new funds would cover repaving of Maple Avenue between First and Third streets in the second half of 2027 and replacement of playground equipment at Riverside Park by spring 2028.

Local business owners would see the increase reflected in their combined property and improvement assessments. The council’s fiscal impact statement estimates the levy would generate $1.8 million in its first full year, enough to complete two full street projects and one park renovation each budget cycle.

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on October 20. Results are scheduled for certification by December 10. If approved, the first rate notices incorporating the new amount would be sent in January 2027, with construction bidding opening the following month.

Residents who want to review the full project list and payment schedule can obtain the voter information pamphlet from the city clerk’s office or the council website. No further referendums on the same topic are planned before 2030 under the current ordinance.