Chatham-Kent residents have one last chance to ask questions about this year's municipal budget proposal before it goes to council for deliberation.
On Wednesday, community members had a chance to ask municipal officials questions regarding the 2022 municipal budget.
The proposed budget includes a 4.74 per cent tax increase, which would cost homeowners an additional $142 a year.
"The proposed budget is a starting point," said Chatham-Kent Councilor and Budget Chair Brock McGregor. "Over the next several weeks we will be looking for community feedback."
During the consultation, officials were asked why the costs have increased to maintain community parks and open spaces.
General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Thomas Kelly followed this up by saying the municipality has seen tremendous growth in trail use because of the pandemic.
"People are getting out more than they used to," said Kelly. "However, because of this, there has been an associated cost to maintain the trails and parks. We have had higher maintenance, high garbage pick up. All of the services required to really keep our parks and trails in good shape has risen."
Residents were also curious as to why the municipality needed to hire an additional two building inspectors.
According to General Manager of Development Bruce McAllister, the municipality had a record 390 new building permits in 2021. He said that accounts for just under 800 new housing units across the community.
"On average over the previous 10 years, we've had from 90 to 115 new residential units," said McAllister. "The reality is that there has been a significant demand for residential and building permit activity. The latest growth projections are suggesting that we are growing in population. The projections suggest this will continue for at least the next 10 years."
When asked about where residents' tax dollars go, Chief Financial Officer Gord Quinton said a large part goes towards infrastructure and engineering.
"That's the largest area which includes your roads, bridges, parks, and recreation facilities," said Quinton. "You also have your police services and fire and emergency services. Those together do cost a lot in personnel and equipment in case of any of those emergencies where our residents do need help."
Residents will have one more chance to ask questions on the proposed budget on Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The community consultation will be live-streamed on Facebook. Members of the public will be able to speak as a delegate and submit questions about the budget.
The budget deliberation meetings will begin on January 26.