Dear Editor:
With everything in the news these days it is easy to miss that 2024 budget deliberations in Wellington County and Centre Wellington are in full swing. And what is being proposed is disturbing.
Centre Wellington is discussing residential tax rate increases between 4.5 and 6% in addition to a 2% asset management levy plus a 1% termite mitigation levy. That adds up to an increase between 7.5 and 9%!
That is unprecedented and out of touch with financial challenges faced by residents. Not only out of step with the issue of housing affordability, but also at cross purposes with the Bank of Canada’s efforts to bring inflation back to 2%.
The proposed new asset and termite levies are especially concerning. As the existing 2% bridge and culvert levy (which is now actually 10%) demonstrates, designated levies tend to become permanent, continue to increase and are less likely to be challenged going forward.
Wellington County is looking at tax rate increases of 4% or more – well above inflation rates projected for 2024.
These high tax rate increases would impact 2024, but also set a base for higher taxes in future years. The post-pandemic economy demands more prudent municipal spending, more disciplined “needs versus wants” project prioritization and a tight lid on tax increases.
Councillors want budget input from residents. I encourage renters and home owners to tell local councillors about their budget concerns.
Information about the 2024 budget proposals and timelines can be found at connectcw.ca for the township and attached to the Oct. 5 county council meeting summary at wellington.ca.
Peter van Vloten,
Fergus