GUELPH/ERAMOSA – As the township considers a similar tax increase to last year, councillors are hopeful a lower figure is still possible.
Presented at a Guelph/Eramosa Committee of the Whole meeting Monday morning, staff have proposed a 4.38 per cent tax levy increase in 2025, which is intended to help support the sustainability of township infrastructure and counteract the loss of Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) funding on township assets.
With a proposed budget of $25,545,497, this represents a $65.10 increase for properties valued at $500,000.
This number does not include the county portion of the tax hike.
While supportive of the increase as proposed at the meeting, Mayor Chris White said he'd be "very happy" if the number could be reduced to below four per cent.
"(Staff) are doing all the right things. When we look at our infrastructure deficit and the future we're facing, I mean we've got to continue to build that so we don't get these oscillating tax increases that go way up," said White. "But this is a little bit above inflation as it currently sits so something below four might be more comfortable if (the money) is there."
Councillor Corey Woods agreed, saying it would be nicer if the increase were around 3.9 per cent but understands why the increase is required.
Capital projects highlighted in the budget include IT upgrades, resurfacing projects on Eighth Line East and Fife Road, two bridge replacements, surveys and design for the Northeast Rockwood Road reconstruction project and several speed calming projects and park upgrades.
Coun. Bruce Dickieson agreed- saying it's "fantastic" to see the budget keeping up with infrastructure renewal.
"I think it's responsible," said Dickieson. "It'd be easy to say no let's just put a two per cent increase but that's not fair to the future health of the municipality."
Guelph/Eramosa saw a 4.93 per cent increase in 2024.
A public meeting on the proposed budget will take place on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
