Windsor’s incumbent mayor has promised that residents won’t see big property tax increases if voters give him a third term.

Drew Dilkens rolled out the financial plank of his reelection platform on Friday, and he said it was done with inflation weighing heavy on residents’ minds.

“Inflation today is taking a giant bite out of everyone’s pockets. You can feel it at the grocery store and at the pumps,” said Dilkens. “Voters know what they get with me: a fiscally prudent manager who will hold the line on taxes while investing in the core services that build our City up to enable residents to spend more on things that matter.”

Dilkens pointed out the administration’s ability to keep annual property tax increases to a minimum. From 2018 to this year, increases ranged from zero to 2.1 per cent, each lower than the inflation rate each time.

In addition to holding the line on property taxes, Dilkens said he would freeze permit and licence fees to help residents manage rising costs.

“The cost of everything is going up, and it’s hurting residents and small businesses in Windsor,” said Dilkens. “I’m proposing that we freeze all permits and license fees that are fully under City Hall’s control and provide certainty that those fees will remain at today’s rate until 2026.”

Dilkens also said if he is reelected, he will ask City Council to look at eliminating fees that do not help the City’s financial bottom line, such as dog licences. He has also promised to ask City Council for a review of parking fees across the community to help those who visit restaurants, clubs, retail, and entertainment venues.

The incumbent Dilkens is running against Ward 4 Councillor Chris Holt, Benjamin Danyluk, Aaron Day, Matthew Giancola, Ernie Lamont, and Louis Vaupotic.

The municipal election is Monday, October 24.