(c) Can Stock Photo / nialowwa (c) Can Stock Photo / nialowwa
Windsor

LaSalle, Leamington pass 2023 spending plans

You can add two more Windsor-Essex municipalities to the list of those with 2023 budgets approved.

The Town of LaSalle and the Municipality of Leamington announced Thursday that their respective councils had agreed on their spending plans for this year.

Leamington:

Leamington Council spent Monday and Tuesday deliberating the budget before approving it with an annual tax levy increase of $6.89 per month on an urban home assessed at $190,000, or $43.49 per $100,000 of assessment.

"Despite the challenges the Municipality is facing from record-high inflationary pressures, Leamington Council has approved a fiscally responsible budget that aligns with our strategic priorities, maintains service levels, and enhances the quality of life of our residents," said Mayor Hilda MacDonald.

Leamington's budget includes $43.1 million for capital projects and $55.5 million through the operating budget.

Capital projects in the spending plan include the Wigle-Orange-Setterington-Mill water main replacement, upgrades at the Pollution Control Centre, relining of the Oak Street sewer, and renewals for Rick Atkin and Meresa Parks.

Residents can get a closer look at the budget by visiting the Municipality's official website.

LaSalle:

Meanwhile, LaSalle residents will be paying below the rate of inflation in 2023.

The Town's budget includes a 3.88 per cent overall property tax increase. 

Town councillors were presented with the proposed budget last month but with a 4.33 per cent increase. The administration was directed to take another look at the spending plan and find savings, which Mayor Crystal Meloche said worked out well.

"We are pleased that administration has found the savings that we asked for," said Meloche. "We understand that this is going to be a tough year for many people, and we are continuing to make responsible decisions."

The administration found about $306,000 in savings, which involved increases already factored into the budget. However, the Town said reductions in those areas will not affect current service levels, though future budgets may reflect a slower rate of complete funding for these projects.

LaSalle residents can take a look at the 2023 budget on the Town's official website.

Read More Local Stories