County of Essex budget could see an increase of 4.17 per cent
The Essex County portion of taxes could be going up.
At last week’s council meeting, the final one for the 2022-2026 term, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Melissa Ryan presented the 2027 forecast which is projected to be 4.17 percent.
“The 2027 budget is being developed during a period of significant financial pressure,” said Ryan.
In her report to council, Ryan states that next year’s budget comes in at approximately $152.7 million. That is up from an approved 2026 budget of $145.14 which was a 2.25 percent increase over the previous year.
“We are bringing forward a budget that we believe is a balanced and achievable budget that considers affordability, service requirements, organizational capacity, infrastructure needs, reserve sustainability and long-term financial planning,” said Ryan.
Council is expected to approve the budget at its December 2 meeting which will see at least three new members around the table as a result of the municipal election.
“I do want to point out that the proposed budget of 4.17 percent is significant to our residents and it will be my objective to bring that down closer to inflation,” said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey.
Bailey would like to see a long-term strategy when it comes to contractual obligations.
Ryan noted that compensation and benefit increases amount to 2.91 percent of the increase for 2027. She added that administration has completed detailed departmental and senior leadership team reviews and that the proposed budget was affected by a number of contractual, legislated or necessary to maintain county services.
Not all items submitted through the departmental budget process were included and some requests were deferred, reduced, phase or removed completely.
Also pointed out by Ryan, capital expenditures will be funded next year primarily through reserves.
And while the proposed budget comes in at a 4.17 percent hike, Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti said there are other factors to consider.
“There are other local organizations that will be having budget pressure,” said Bachetti.
He noted that the new amalgamated conservation authority will require an additional $1 million and the Windsor-Essex Health Unit is only getting a one percent increase from the province.
“Those are dollars that, if they can’t continue these programs, they may go to their partners, the city and the county asking for more funds. That is a concern.”
County of Essex budget could see an increase of 4.17 per cent
By Fred Groves
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