Article content
Lakeshore has recorded the region’s lowest tax rate increase for 2024 after council affirmed a 2.97 per cent hike on Tuesday.
According to the municipality, the increase will add roughly $54 per year to the municipal portion of property taxes for the average homeowner.
Article content
Lakeshore’s Chief Financial Officer Justin Rousseau presented the updated budget document to council during Tuesday’s general meeting. The draft budget was approved by council on Feb. 15, before returning once more for final approval.
Article content
Out of every $1,000 of property taxes collected, $500 is fanned out to Lakeshore, $380 to the County of Essex, and $120 distributed among local school boards.
Also approved was $26 million in capital project spending, with $9.5 million allocated for roads.
An additional $1.9 million goes to wastewater projects, $6.6 million to water initiatives, and $2.2 million for vehicles and fire equipment.
Roughly $1.47 million will go towards bridges and culverts, and $620,000 for trail maintenance and tree planting.
Through deliberations, Lakeshore successfully negotiated a substantial reduction from the originally proposed 6.34 per cent tax increase.
The municipality is currently inviting public feedback to enhance its budget decision-making process, as well as the newly launched interactive app, which debuted prior to this year’s budget discussions.
“We modernized our budget presentation this year and we’d like to know what residents think and how it can be improved in 2025 and beyond,” said Lakeshore’s Chief Financial Officer, Justin Rousseau.
“Feedback from stakeholders is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to improve Lakeshore’s services, and we appreciate everyone who takes the time to respond.”
Complete the survey online at lakeshore.ca/budgetsurvey.
Share this article in your social network
