The Town of Essex has its spending plan in place for 2022.
Essex Town Council has passed in principle the municipality's 2022 budget, which includes an average property tax increase of 1.69 per cent.
"The 2022 budget not only reflects efforts designed to achieve Council’s strategic priorities, but it also addresses infrastructure needs and improvements to services residents use regularly," said Essex CAO Doug Sweet. "I would like to thank the staff who have worked very hard to create a fiscally responsible and well-rounded budget to progressively move the town forward."
The tax increase translates to a hike of $47 per year for the owner of a home assessed at $187,000.
The budget includes $69 million in revenues, with $20.8 million of that funding budgeted for capital projects and infrastructure upgrades. Among the projects covered by the budget are the following.
•$8.9-million for the Essex Streetscape Project
•$725,000 for the reconstruction of North Malden Rd, between County Road 15 and Walker Sideroad
•$500,000 in reserve contribution for the completion of the County Road 50 trail system
•$70,000 for completion of the public washrooms at the Harrow Splash Pad
•$81,000 in reserve contribution for the future development of Co-An Park
"We believe the budget reflects the current priorities of Council and the residents while keeping property tax increases minimal," said Essex Corporate Services Director and Treasurer Kate Giurissevich.
Councillors are expected to officially adopt the budget at its meeting on February 22.
