Wilmot Council approves plan to spread out capital spending increase

Wilmot Township council has voted to pass a motion that would spread out an increase in the township's capital spending. CTV's Tyler Kelaher reports.

Councillors in Wilmot Township have brought the proposed 2025 property tax increase down from 47 per cent to 19.12 per cent.

But there is a catch.

A motion was put forward during Monday’s meeting to spread out the capital budget hike, at 26 percent, over a four-year period. As a result, residents could expect a 9 per cent increase each year until 2028.

Capital spending can include funding for road repairs, buildings and equipment and represents the biggest portion of the township’s budget.

“What is proposed is taking this year’s ask and stretching it out over four years,” said Wilmot Mayor Natasha Solonen. “But that’s not including what technically would be considered for the next year, and the year after, and the year after that. My only concern about spreading this year’s ask over more than four years is how much more kicking down the road can we do of the can.”

The motion also included an option to request additional funding if there was a pressing need to address supports or infrastructure in the future.

Council unanimously approved the plan to spread out the increase over four years.

The proposed 2025 property tax increase was originally estimated at 50.87 per cent, and then whittled down to 47 per cent.

As of Jan. 27, that number had been reduced further to sit at 19.12 per cent.

The township said that figure includes the proposed 10.12 per cent operating budget increase, down from the original 14 per cent.

In a media release, council said they would continue to explore further reductions. They also asked staff to reduce their day-to-day departmental budgets by 5 per cent.

The next budget meeting will take place on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Council said it will be reviewing options for bringing down departmental costs as well as taking a close look at the revised 2025 budget.

The proposed increase only represents the township’s portion of the tax bill.