Another Windsor-Essex community has its 2023 spending plan in place.
The Municipality of Lakeshore has passed its draft budget for the year, with a 3.75 per cent property tax increase.
This is an average increase of $66 per year for the Lakeshore property owner. With approved water and wastewater rates figured into the equation, the average Lakeshore home will be charged an additional $143 a year. County and school board levies will add another $52 a year.
Mayor Tracey Bailey said councillors and the administration had a lot to consider.
"The discussions and decisions today reflected the difficult nature of this year’s budget," said Bailey. "As a council, we had to balance cost increases due to inflation and the need to meet service levels with the financial impact on residents and taxpayers. We understand that every dollar matters to our residents, and this budget maintains our competitive position in the region while sustainably investing in the projects and services that make Lakeshore a great place to live, work, and play."
Budget highlights include $56.4-million in total expenditures for 2023, a $500,000 transfer to the parks reserve, and $26.8-million in capital projects, including the reconstruction of Pattillo Road, Major Street, and Lilydale Avenue; replacement of a water main on County Road 22; $150,000 for the wastewater management plan; and $75,000 for the resurfacing of Lakeview Park playground.
The draft budget before deliberations had called for a 4.74 per cent tax increase, reduced by eliminating staff positions, capital projects, and new programs. Councillors also signed off on a $1.52-million transfer from the tax stabilization reserve.
The budget is expected to get final approval at the Municipality's February 14 council meeting.