Amherstburg residents are likely looking at paying more in property taxes next year.
Town council has been provided with the draft budget for 2024. If approved as is, property owners will be paying 7.13 per cent more next year.
According to the summary, the owner of a property assessed at $250,000 will pay an additional $190.14 a year, or the equivalent of two large coffees a week.
According to the draft budget released by the Town, the increase is made up of existing contractual obligations, increases in reserves, new positions, and new debt.
The proposed spending plan reflects the maintenance of current funding levels for services.
There is a suggested three per cent increase for water and wastewater for 2024. It was not on the table last year, pending the outcome of an asset management plan.
For the capital budget, the five-year spending plan is $64,354,912. The 2024 portion includes work on the Kings Navy Yard Extension and Work Order Module, approved by Town council in October.
Most Windsor-Essex municipalities will be looking at property tax increases next year as inflation pushed up costs and expenses. In 2023, however, Amherstburg had the lowest tax hike among the region's communities, at an even three per cent.
Residents are invited to provide input on the draft budget with an online survey open now through December 18.
The Town will also host a public information session on Tuesday, December 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Libro Centre.
Councillors will deliberate the budget at meetings on January 15 and 16, 2024, and January 17, if needed. Residents who would like to comment must register no later than 4 p.m. on January 11.