West Grey Council got its first look at the proposed budget for 2025.
Council reviewed what would be needed for its base operating budget as well as considerations for the 2024-2026 strategic plan during a meeting on Tuesday.
While there is no proposed tax rate increase at this time, a preliminary number is expected to come to council in November.
A report from Director of Finance and Treasurer Kerri Mighton says the 2025 preliminary operating budget increase to maintain service levels is estimated at 7.3 per cent, or over $1 million.
Some expenses featured in the operating budget includes administration, emergency and policing services, roads, waste management, the library, recreation, and more.
“The 2025 draft operating budget being presented to council has been prepared using the previous year’s budget as a starting point, with the goal of maintaining the programs and services that the residents and businesses of West Grey rely on,” says the report from Mighton.
Additionally, council went over various considerations to implement in 2025.
These considerations included electronic customer feedback kiosks, hiring an economic development officer, trail development, installing downtown wi-fi in Durham, Neustadt, Ayton, and Elmwood, as well as expanding the community garden, and refreshing the library website.
A more detailed operating draft budget will be presented at the Nov. 12 meeting.
