ELORA – Centre Wellington council approved the 2023 budget as expected at its meeting on Feb. 27 after recommending it at a Feb. 8 committee of the whole meeting.
The budget includes $49.3 million in operating costs, $35.4 million in capital projects, a $6.4 million water budget, and a $7.8 million wastewater budget.
Council had previously pre-approved five capital projects that make up a considerable portion of the capital budget: repairs and improvements to bridge 24WG, bridge 16WG, Mill St. East in Elora, Beatty Line from St. Andrew Street to Millage Lane, and the Elora Community Centre project.
Staff had asked for the early approval as prices were better if the projects were put out to tender early.
Other capital projects include developing a long-term parking strategy for the Elora and Fergus downtowns, updating the water and wastewater servicing master plan, new stairs from Victoria Park down to the Elora Gorge, and beginning the design work on St. David Street North in Fergus.
The township used a windfall from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Association to shave $158,000 from the budget.
It also benefitted from high interest rates, seeing $50,000 from investments it hadn’t anticipated.
That all shakes out to a 3.53% increase in property taxes; an additional $46 on the tax bill of a home assessed at $384,000.
“I want to thank staff for walking us through this very big process,” said councillor Jennifer Adams as council unanimously approved the budget.
Mayor Shawn Watters agreed, stating, “I appreciate staff, the community and council for all your efforts and all your time.”
