Wilmot councillors mull public input as they prepare to meet Monday to finalize 2025 budget

Wilmot councillors will meet Monday in the hopes of passing the 2025 budget.

It comes after council has heard from people in the township who were upset with the draft budget released in December that proposed a 50 per cent property tax increase. Township staff said the proposed budget would add $43 per month ($514 per year) to the township's portion of the average homeowner's tax bill.

At a special council meeting on Jan. 7, councillors heard from several people who called the increase unacceptable.

"Many Wilmot residents are already struggling. There are neighbours in our community that are choosing between paying their bills or feeding themselves," resident and father of three Rory Farnan said.

"Residents with lower wages and fixed incomes are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their rent or remain in their home due to rising costs. It is your duty to ensure that any financial decisions made do not intensify these hardships."

At a meeting on Jan. 16, councillors made cuts to the budget, including removing several new staff positions. Township staff were also asked to prepare a report about other possible cuts that could be made to departmental operating budgets.

Mayor Natasha Salonen said in a release that council will deliberate on the budget and they are striving "to achieve a budget that respects the current and future needs of our community."

Monday night's special council meeting to approve the budget gets underway at 5 p.m. and people can attend in person or watch it on the township's YouTube page. A regular council meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.