Midwestern

West Grey taxes going up 9.7%

West Grey has passed its 2024 budget, which includes a noticeable tax hike for residents.

To support the over $29 million operating and capital budget, there will be a 9.7 per cent tax increase for residents.

Over $11 million in capital expenditures will cover planning for the West Grey Police Services’ new headquarters and the municipality's portion of the engineering and construction needs for the new Rockwood Terrace long-term care facility.

The tax levy increase represents an additional $71.86 per $100,000 assessment.

“Throughout the process, West Grey council was focused on ensuring we meet the needs of West Grey today and into the future," said Mayor Kevin Eccles. "We are facing some milestone  projects this year and this budget enables us to keep these projects moving forward.”

Eccles noted that the increase is due, in part, to pressures beyond municipal control, including inflation, unavoidable increases in insurance and operating expenses, and the general increase in goods and services.

Other projects covered in the budget include Neustadt water tower refurbishment, accessible doors and ramps for the Ayton library and new camera equipment for council chamber webcasting.

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