Lakeshore Town Council has begun gathering information on the town's 2021 spending plan.
Deliberations began Monday morning on the new draft budget, which includes an estimated levy requirement of $35 million for next year. According to the budget summary posted on the town's official website, the budget will result in a 2.83 per cent net tax increase once anticipated assessment growth is taken into consideration.
The town has said economic development is the most robust among all Windsor-Essex communities despite a drop in building permit revenue. Lakeshore, like many municipalities in Ontario, has not been told if it will be getting a grant in 2021 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) grant program. The OCIF grant for Lakeshore in 2020 was over $1.37 million.
"To maintain the same level of service in future years, additional funding will need to be subsidized by the ratepayers," read the budget summary. "Although this will not impact the overall five-year capital roads program, it may impact the future year’s road projects."
Some highlights of the 2021 draft budget include assessment growth that will translate into $650,000 in new revenue, a $23 million capital expenditure program, funding for facilities, vehicles and equipment, and enhancements to the fire prevention program. Some proposed service level enhancements will mean additional staffing, according to the summary.
Monday's budget session is scheduled until 5 p.m. and can be followed live via the webstream on the town's website. The session is due to continue Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. If needed, there will be a session on Tuesday, December 1.
