A proposed 5.51 percent tax increase in Guelph/Eramosa was met with concern by the mayor as well as a select group of council members at a meeting yesterday.

Mayor Chris White said he's hoping to see the number dip below five per cent. "This is just another burden on the average person, and we know we need to step up responsibly. I think adding another $100,000 to reserves is a step in the right direction," White began to say.

"I'm just saying in these high inflationary times, staying below five is closer to inflation, it's reasonable. We'll continue to look at the asset management plan," he concluded.

White said reserves are about having an eye on the future.

Meanwhile Coun. Corey Woods also suggested keeping the rate below five per cent.

Coun. Bruce Dickieson though, was fine with keeping things as projected, regardless of inflation rates. "I have found that people, [when]  I asked them what the tax rate was when it was zero  .... no one remembered", Dickieson explained.

"So, I think it's irresponsible to ... put the burden on future generations to pay for stuff that we could [pay for] now. Because infrastructure is not going to go down in price. I don't have any problem backing up tax increases as long as we can justify it. And I think this is a very justifiable budget," he said.

Influencing the proposed tax rate is a 3.8 per cent cost of living adjustment and a 1.26 per cent increase in growth-related assessment.

The proposed 2024 budget will return to Council on December 11.

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