Grey Highlands is adopting its 2024 budget, which includes a 7.62 per cent tax rate increase.
The tax rate increase will see homeowners pay an additional $52 for each $100,000 of assessment.
Council approved the budget during its meeting on March 26 and a number of capital projects are featured. These include construction along Alice Street, culvert replacements, asphalt resurfacing, as well as repairs and upgrades to Kimberley, Rocklyn and Stothard Hall.
Mayor Paul McQueen says this was one of the most challenging budgets council has ever tackled as a result of inflation.
“I tried to encourage out-of-the-box thinking to find savings,” says McQueen. “Overall, we’ve landed in a position that supports our growing community and invests in facilities and infrastructure without sacrificing service delivery.”
The municipality launched a budget questionnaire in December to allow for residents to share their thoughts on various budget items and priorities.
Coun. Nadia Dubyk says when working on the budget, there is a balance between taking a very thorough approach and how long to spend on it.
“I think there is a good opportunity for us just to reflect upon how we think about the budget process and how we can ensure that we are striking the right balance between a real thorough look to make sure we are doing the best for our constituents and ensuring that we keep business moving along,” says Dubyk.