ELORA – Managing director of corporate services Adam McNabb joked that it was a “housekeeping bylaw” as Centre Wellington council passed the 2024 budget on Dec. 18.
But it’s no minor matter for ratepayers, as they are looking at a 7.38 per cent increase on the township portion of their property tax bill in 2024. That adds $98.70 to the annual tax bill on an average home in the township.
The budget includes operating costs of $53.9 million and a capital budget of $27.9 million.
In 2024, staff will prepare an Active Transportation and Mobility Master Plan, an Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan and a Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Parkland Strategy.
These plans will guide growth in the coming years and inform decisions on township facilities and programs.
There are new staff positions, but these “are expected to have a minimal impact on the tax increase” as they are funded from assessment growth, user fees, partnerships and new service revenues, the township states in a press release.
The 2024 budget includes funding for:
- a termite management program;
- redevelopment of 8th Line between Sideroad 11 and Wellington Road 17;
- paving the parking lot at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre;
- redevelopment of St. David Street North from St. Andrew Street to Edinburgh Avenue in Fergus;
- Gerrie Road reconstruction;
- urban forestry; and
- increased gravel road maintenance.
“This was our second budget deliberation for this council, and it was a difficult one,” Mayor Shawn Watters states in the release.
Reducing costs
“Staff worked diligently to reduce costs wherever possible, without impacting their ability to deliver the most efficient and effective services to residents and businesses.”
He added: “Our goal was to approve a budget that reflects the current needs in our community while ensuring that future funding is available to help us maintain our infrastructure, programs and services.”
CAO Dan Wilson called it a “fair, transparent, and fiscally responsible budget.”
Wilson said the budget supports the strategic goals approved by council and addresses pressures related to growth and an increasing demand for services.
Business plan
Prepared in conjunction with the budget is the first township business plan, which serves as a tool to take the strategic plan and turn it into action.
“The long list of approved initiatives for 2024 assists in demonstrating the scope, complexity and volume of work in serving the Township of Centre Wellington,” Wilson said.
For more information on the 2024 budget, visit connectcw.ca.
