Wilmot council pass 2025 budget, residents facing 18.2 per cent tax hike

After nearly three months of deliberation, the Township of Wilmot finalized the 2025 budget, resulting in an 18.22 per cent property tax increase for residents.

While the mayor and most of the councillors agreed that they wish the increase was lower, it’s a significantly lower number than what was originally proposed by staff back in December.

On Dec. 3, staff introduced a plan that would introduce a one-time injection of funds to the township’s capital reserve plan, resulting in a 50.8 per cent property tax increase.

Following pushback from council and residents, staff were directed to find solutions and options that would lower the proposed increase.

On Jan. 27, council made a number of key decisions that would see that injection of funds phased out over the next four years, at 9 per cent annually until 2028. The decision brought the tax increase down to just over 19 per cent.

At that meeting, council directed staff to find an additional 5 per cent in savings through cuts to a number of services.

On Monday, staff presented council with options that would provide a 3.5 per cent tax levy reduction, including cuts to community and corporate services.

Councillor Kris Wilkinson was not impressed with the report presented on Monday.

“To be honest, I’m not overly pleased with the report returned,” said Wilkinson. “I get that it’s a challenging exercise, but it’s meant to be.”

Council ended up deciding against the majority of the potential cuts presented to them, eventually arriving at 18.22 per cent.

“Taking a look at all the previous years that councils have voted, and not voted, and cut cut cut, which ended up putting us in the situation that we’re in now,” noted Councillor Lillianne Dunstall.

According to the township, the property tax increase results in an annual increase of $208 for the average homeowner.