By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Lakeshore Council has approved the municipality’s 2025 Budget.
On average, the approved tax rate increase will add $54 per year ($4.50 per month) to the municipal portion of property tax bills. Throughout the deliberations, Council reduced the originally proposed increase of 7.66 per cent to 2.91 per cent.
The reduction was accomplished through reductions in reserves, as well as reprioritization of projects and operating dollars to support roads and Council’s strategic goals.
“As a Council, we’ve delivered another budget that is below the rate of inflation. Hats off to the entire team for their fantastic work on the Budget, as well as to all the residents who shared their feedback throughout the past two months,” said Lakeshore mayor Tracey Bailey.
County of Essex and school board levies will add an additional $55 per year ($4.58 per month).
“Our deliberations took a critical and comprehensive look at the entirety of Lakeshore’s financial picture and Council made a number of difficult decisions,” said Bailey. “We continue to face significant financial challenges, including the ongoing impact of inflation as well as pending costs outlined in the Water and Wastewater Master Plan and Fire Master Plans. In the face of those pressures, the 2025 Budget is the product of a sensible decision-making process that focuses on delivering value while limiting the impact on taxpayers.”
The Budget will return to Council for final approval at an upcoming meeting.
“The Budget is a critical document that guides our operations and reflects Council and the community’s vision for the future of Lakeshore. I’d like to thank all the members of Team Lakeshore who contributed to the creation of the Budget, as well as to Council for their thoughtful deliberations and decisions,” said Justin Rousseau, Chief Financial Officer/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
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