A day after suggesting that Windsorites may be paying more in taxes next year, the mayor has announced the start of the budget process.
Mayor Drew Dilkens announced on Tuesday the start of the 2025 budget consultation process. He says this important work must start sooner rather than later.
"As Mayor, I have always been an advocate for economic development, investing in growth, and fiscal responsibility," said Dilkens. "As we begin to plan for the 2025 City Budget, I remain committed to building Windsor’s future while keeping our great city affordable. That’s why I am taking immediate action with City Council and through public consultation to confront extraordinary budgetary pressures and ease the tax burden on residents."
Although strong-mayor powers give Dilkens the latitude to veto recommendations made by councillors, he is getting councillors involved by dividing them into three budget committees.
The first committee, dealing with corporate and community services, will consist of Councillors Jo-Anne Gignac, Renaldo Agostino, Kieran McKenzie, and Mark McKenzie. Gignac will chair.
The second committee, on economic development and engineering, will have Councillors Jim Morrison, Fred Francis, and Gary Kaschak, with Morrison as the chair.
The third committee, discussing finance and social services, will feature Councillors Fabio Costante, Angelo Marignani, and Ed Sleiman, with Costante chairing.
Each committee will hold public deliberations starting the week of September 23.
The annual ward meetings, scheduled to take place between September 17 and October 23, will be complemented by an online survey to allow all residents a chance to provide feedback.
Current legislation requires that a budget must be presented by February 1, 2025.
-with files from Maureen Revait