Perth East has finalized its budget for 2024.
Paula Michiels, Treasurer and Manager of Finance, says the process was difficult, but ultimately, council and staff feel they've found a reasonable number for the tax increase.
"We have a levy increase for 2024, prior to growth, of $591,701, which equates to a 5.92 per cent increase. But then when we consider the assessment growth, the levy increase drops to $481,173, which equates to a 4.82 per cent increase," Michiels explained
Michiels notes that council and staff did their best to keep the number down considering rising costs and the total cost of the operating budget.
"Operating, the expenditures are $17,493,376 for the operating for the general township. Then there's the water and sewer on top of that, which is $2,556,427," added Michiels.
Also, to keep the number that low, Michiels adds that they'll be digging into their reserves, which is also necessary to meet grant requirements for some of their major projects this year.
"A big one is the water system in Shakespeare, there are updates being done there. Another big project is Fulton Street in Milverton, a road reconstruction. Whaley Avenue in Milverton, as well, that's a fairly big road reconstruction," said Michiels.
