Residents in Amherstburg will be seeing a 4.27% tax increase this year as the town battles with a $46-million debt.
The average home valued at $178,000 will see an annual increase of about $63.
Mayor Aldo DiCarlo says the new council is committed to fixing the problems left behind by the previous group. "Trying to find that balance of what residents can afford and what the town needs, it's something that is going to continue for the next three and a half years," says DiCarlo. "I've been there -- single income with a wife and three kids. Every year the bills go up and your income doesn't."
Council approved its capital and operation budget with an increase of 0.27% plus a 2% capital levy and 2% reserve levy. The budget will go before council for final approval on May 11.
DiCarlo says he would have rather seen a higher tax increase. "You look at the numbers and you look at the reality of our failing infrastructure. I guess for me it's the fear of incurring further debt as we proceed," says DiCarlo. "It was not going to be a win-win for anybody. At least we showed we're committed to improving things in the town."
