Millions to be spent on infrastructure, no tax increase in Windsor's 2014 budget

The City of Windsor released their 2014 operating and capital budgets at city hall, on Nov. 22. (Adam Ward/ CTV Windsor)

The City of Windsor will hold the line on property taxes for the sixth straight year.

Mayor Eddie Francis made the announcement during a news conference Friday at city hall, as Windsor’s 2014 draft budget was released to members of the media. Not only will property takes remain the same, but Francis says it comes without “slashing or burning” programs or services, or by cutting jobs.

"This budget is a balanced and responsible budget,” says Francis. “There is no erosion of services. No slashing no burning."

The proposed operating budget for 2014 racks in at approximately $319 million, something Francis calls a “sustainable budget.”

“(It) continues to be a sustainable budget and will be a sustainable budget,” says Francis.

The city was able to accomplish the proposed budget, all in the wake of a major payout to Windsor firefighters. Back in October, an arbitrator awarded a 15 per cent wage increase. To help in balancing this, city-funded agencies and departments are being asked to make budgetary requests at or below their 2013 funded amounts.

"We were able to take our expenses, and match them with our revenue and operate within those means."

The city also released its draft for the 2014, five year capital budget. Administration says $95 million will be spent on capital projects, including $31 million for sewers and $13 million for roads.

The city was able to transfer $3 million from the 2014 operating budget into the capital budget bank.

"For the first time in anyone's recollection we have the same amount in reserves as we do in debt," says Francis. “There’s nothing hidden."

Windsor’s long term debt currently stands at about $110 million and administration expects that to decrease to $95 million by 2016. This is a significant decrease from 2002, when the city’s debt peaked at $230 million.

A debt reduction revenue plan is also included within the 2014 capital budget. The plan allocates $160.5 million, of which$139.4 million has been pre-committed by council.

"This is not like a budget of the past, where difficult decisions needed to be made and impacted a large part of our workforce."

Councillors will tackle final budget deliberations on Dec. 2, at a special city council meeting starting at 3 p.m.