There could be a large tax increase coming to the Township of Centre Wellington according to a report received at council Monday.

The projection sees an increase up to 6.7 per cent.

Centre Wellington could be seeing a tax increase of up to 6.7%. A chart from a Township report breaks down the numbers. Graph courtesy of the Township.

The information follows up council's February meeting, in which CAO Dan Wilson Wilson says staff were able to find $366,635 (2.27%) in budget reductions, which included reducing staff positions, asset management, infrastructure services, revenue increases and other reductions.

Township staff mentioned at the time of the report that inflation is declining: it is likely that 2023 Township costs will increase at a rate lower than 6.7 per cent.

Coun. Barb Evoy said the increase is out of necessity, but she is concerned for certain pockets of the population.

“I completely understand that with a growing community and evolving needs within that community, and as we as a council strive to be better every time, I see no reason we shouldn’t be raising our taxes," Evoy said.

“It’s going to be challenging for all of us, but growth can be more difficult for some than others,” she added.

Coun. Bronwynne Wilton said she is thankful this will be revisited, as she knows the importance of protecting valuable township services.

“I was concerned with the increased fees and charges primarily around services such as swimming lessons, summer camps, just recognizing a lot of families are under stress in our community," Wilton said.

"I know this is just direction and we're going to come back to it, but just at this point I'm looking to those services that are vital to the wellbeing of the community," she added.

As far as the capital budget is concerned, costs are projected to jump 12.3 per cent higher in 2024 in comparison to 2023.

However, township staff's goal in establishing the draft Capital Budget will be to have detailed estimates completed on most significant capital projects in 2023, to make sure cost projections are more accurate and based on market values.

The process won't be a short one, with budget approval set for Dec. 18, 2023.

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