NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET
******************************
Amidst a complex financial landscape impacting municipalities across Ontario, the Township of Wainfleet is pleased to announce the adoption of the 2024 Budget. This pivotal decision reflects the Township Council's ongoing commitment to addressing fiscal challenges while responsibly meeting the evolving needs of the community.
Mayor Brian Grant expressed gratitude for the collective effort in navigating these challenging times. "This budget underscores our dedication to prudent fiscal management while prioritizing the well-being and prosperity of Wainfleet residents. As elected officials, we have committed ourselves to delivering essential services and fostering measured growth in a responsible way that is always conscious to our taxpayers."
The Township's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), William Kolasa, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic approach taken by the Council. "In the face of financial constraints, the Township has meticulously crafted a budget that balances essential services with fiscal responsibility. This achievement reflects our steadfast commitment to ensuring the sustainability and progress of our community."
Acknowledging the efforts of recent and present Councils, Treasurer and upcoming CAO, Mallory Luey, highlighted the collaborative approach in addressing fiscal shortfalls created by artificially low tax rates and sub-par increases in previous decades.
"We recognize the magnitude of the challenges and commend the dedication of our Council and staff to meet infrastructure needs, maintaining capital assets in a highly inflationary environment,” said Luey. “Because of Council’s commitment to responsible, incremental increases to the Township’s capital and infrastructure budgets, residents are starting to see the positive effects of that vision.”
Deputy Treasurer Cameron Hart emphasized the Township's dedication to responsible financial stewardship. "This budget is a testament to our commitment to transparency and accountability to our taxpayers,” said Mr. Hart. “Despite significant inflationary-driven increases in municipal expenses over the past year, the 2024 Budget will see a modest 1 per cent net increase in the Township’s operating levy, after growth. In addition, Council has continued critical and incremental investments in the Township’s capital and infrastructure levies resulting in an overall total levy increase of 5.9 per cent for Township purposes versus 2023. This budget reflects a comprehensive strategy aimed at sustaining vital services, fostering community growth, and ensuring financial resilience in the face of ongoing economic uncertainties.”
The Township’s approved budget will cost an additional 38 cents per day in property taxes for the median residential home assessed at $301,000. This amounts to $140 over the course of the year. Municipal property taxes include Township, regional and educational portions and are directly affected by property assessments by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. The amounts outlined in this release reflect the Township’s portions only.
******************************
