Windsor's mayor has more control over 2024 budget process that starts Monday

Windsor will get a look at the city budget to be tabled under new strong mayor powers on Monday.

This budget will give Mayor Drew Dilkens more control over the process than previous years because of legislation passed by the Ontario government.

It's expected to outline how the city will tax homeowners to pay for municipal services like policing and transit while also maintaining roads and sewer systems.

Dilkens will play a larger role in the process after council pledged to hit housing targets set by the provincial government. 

His first major use of the strong mayor powers was last November when he fired two high ranking officials: the commissioner of legal and legislative services and the commissioner of infrastructure services.

The new powers can be used to hit provincial priorities, which right now include building more housing as well as infrastructure and transit services that support more housing units. 

Mayor gets new veto power

The legislation puts Dilkens in charge of the budget process.

Previously, council would provide city staff direction, who would then present a budget to council. 

Now the mayor is required to propose the budget, with the help of city administration. 

Dilkens will present his budget on Monday with councillors able to propose amendments.

Changes to the proposed budgets aren't new. In past years, a majority of council could vote to approve or deny a line item. 

Under the new powers, the mayor can veto any amendment.

Council can override the veto if two thirds (seven members) of council oppose the veto.

The budget process will still play out in public with people being able to present their thoughts to council once a date is set.

It's expected to take place later this month. 

City will face rising costs

Earlier signs are pointing toward a budget that needs to create revenue or find savings in the face of rising costs. 

Before the strong mayor powers were granted, council asked city departments to propose a status quo budget to maintain services, a budget that cut five per cent of costs and a budget that improved services. 

Transit Windsor has already submitted it's operating budget and said it will need close to $4 million to meet 2023 levels.

The biggest costs are tied to hiring new staff to meet federally regulated sick day changes and an expected increase to fuel prices.

Taxes up across Essex County

Windsor is the last council to look at a 2024 budget, with a number of municipalities already approving next year's budget. 

Residential taxes have gone up across the board, with Leamington approving a 3.8 per cent increase, while Kingsville passed an 8.2 per cent increase. 

Essex County council will deliberate proposed budget later this month with a 6 per cent increase currently on the table. 

Last year, Windsor approved a budget that hiked taxes by 4.48 per cent.