Essex Town Council has adopted its 2019 budget with a property tax hike similar to the rate of inflation.
The budget still has to be passed by the full council, but if approved, homeowners will have a tax increase this year of two per cent or $28 for an average home valued at $179,000.
The budget includes over $10 million in capital projects and infrastructure upgrades to be funded by a combination of taxes, reserves, grants, and long-term debt. The projects include improvements or reconstruction of over 20 kilometres of local roads, sidewalks, and trails, construction of a new Fire Station #2, installation of LED streetlights throughout the municipality, a new accessible ramp/walkway at Colchester Beach, and public washrooms at the new Essex Centre Splash Pad.
The town tried something new this year and surveyed citizens to get their input on priorities.
“The development of this budget was mindful of the valuable input and feedback received through the community engagement process,” said Jeffrey Morrison, director of corporate services and treasurer. “We believe the budget reflects those priorities and focuses on strengthening core municipal services while keeping taxes affordable.”
Councillors vote on the budget April 1 at their meeting.
Copies of the budget will also be made available at www.essex.ca/budget.
