If no changes are made, the City of Windsor's budget in 2025 could deliver a property tax increase of 12.9 per cent.
During a news conference Tuesday, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens indicated that is only the starting point and he's still committed to a increase at or below the rate of inflation.
"That is the strike place that we're trying to get. It will be a huge amount of work. There's not doubt there is going to be some pain if we want to get down to 4 per cent in terms of the operations of the City of Windsor," said Dilkens.
The tax levy increase is driven by many factors outside of the city's control like contractual obligations (4.28 per cent), legislated requirements (1.11 per cent), and inflationary pressures (0.94 per cent). The city's agencies, boards and committees also represent another 2.09 per cent of the increase.
Three council committees have been established to review budget documents and recommend savings and revenue opportunities. The committees will start meeting the week of September 23, 2024.
"We have to look at everything and every area for savings and that could include outsourcing, it could include eliminating positions. At the end of the day, we want to be very thoughtful about how we do this and make sure that we're making the right cuts, in the right place to really right size the way our operations work at the City of Windsor," said Dilkens.
Building applications, permits, and development charges continue to trend upward however other revenue streams like dividends from the casino and the tunnel are still below pre-pandemic levels.
"While there will be future revenue from growth and development there is a substantial timing difference from when that revenue will come in and when our municipal expenditures need to be made and that creates pressure on our working capital reserves and requires the use of strategic financing options," said Janie Gutherie, city treasurer.
Residents are encouraged to share feedback on the services important to them during this month's ward meetings.