City of Windsor administration recommends 5.2% property tax increase

If Windsor city council goes along with recommendations fromadministration, property owners could be facing a5.23 per cent increase in taxes for 2023.

The figure is contained in a draft operating budget released as part of the process leading up to a vote at council.

The preliminary budget contains more than $23.6 million in additional spending, much of which is inareas where council has little or no choice in the matter, according to the document.

Administration has also identified nearly $10.4 million in potential savings, including through increased investment revenue, a recommendation toextend paid parking hours from 6 p.m. to9 p.m., and fee increases for various services ,including transit.

Windsor is not alone in needing more moneynext year to cover off expenses.Essex County is mulling a similar increase in propery taxes, as is the Town of Tecumseh.

Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens campaigned on a promise to hold the line on taxes.

The cityis approaching budgeting witha new, more participatory process.

A committee has been struck ahead of budget deliberationsto allow councillors more time to review the recommendations fromadministrationand get an understanding of the pressures on city expenses.

Starting later this month, council's operating budget review committee will go through the budget estimates ahead of the budget deliberations, which will not take place until April.

Members of the public can share their views in writing by Jan. 20, or at the committee meeting in person on Jan. 23.