WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington County’s proposed 2024 budget remained steady at a 4.6 per cent tax increase at a special meeting of council Monday.
Standing firm with the increase, for now there were no changes, but also no lack of conversation surrounding the budget.
County treasurer Ken DeHart DeHart says the economy shifted radically during the pandemic, and now staff are feeling the effects of the other side of the spectrum.
DeHart says a reduction in OCIF funding as well as deferrals for development charges has forced municipalities to defer, delay, or increase taxes or debts.
He went on to say this lack of provincial funding among other inflationary pressures, has driven up construction costs.
DeHart also told The Grand at 101 he encourages residents to consider pressures at play, and to look at other municipalities before harshly judging this year’s spike.
Staff, per the suggestion of councillor Chris White, are considering drafting a letter to the province breaking down the county’s current state of affairs.
DeHart says these discussions are imminent, as Wellington County inches closer to finalizing the tax increase later in January.
