Massive budget hike proposed for residents of Wilmot Township; draft document carries a nearly 51 per-cent increase

By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Residents of Wilmot are well aware of the township’s poor financial situation, including extremely low reserves, but no one could have predicted the proposed tax increase coming out of the 2025 draft budget – 50.87 per cent.

The 2024 tax hike was 10.8 per cent, resulting in a $123 increase to the average home’s property taxes on $424,800 of assessed value.

Greg Clark is the township’s interim CAO and said he sees the draft document as a turning point for the township to meet current needs.

“This significant, one-time increase will ensure the organization can continue to maintain its facilities and provide high-quality services to residents now and in the future,” he said.

The proposal includes a major, one-time boost to capital infrastructure investments. The increase will fund projects like a new fire station in New Hamburg, upgrades to the road network and improvements to the Wilmot Recreation Complex.

In total, the budget proposes a $48.35 per month ($580 per year) increase to the township’s portion of the average homeowner’s tax bill. Thirty-five dollars per month makes up the capital portion. A press release stated, “The increase will shore up the township’s finances and bring the municipality closer to a sustainable level of annual funding.”

The Gazette talked to Clark just after the budget was released. He said staff looked at the current financial situation in Wilmot and realized the level of capital planning in the past was very low, meaning they have to play catch up.

“The level of capital investment we should have been doing and should be doing going forward; it’s not sustainable. We can’t even begin to make a dent in the level of projects. Things like new chillers at the rec centre are required to make sure the ice is in every year.”

That project carries a price tag of about $1.5 million. Clark added improvements need to be made so township facilities and roads can continue to operate.

“In my mind, it’s about having a conversation about our priorities with the public and council. I know full well this is a starting point and not the end point, so what we get approved will be something different than this.”

Clark added he wants to be transparent for council to understand the magnitude of the capital pressure Wilmot is facing so council can make critical decisions on where and how much money should be invested in infrastructure.

The next stage of the budget process is on Monday when it will be presented at a special meeting of council. There will be no deliberations and the public, while permitted to attend, are not allowed to delegate. Wilmot ratepayers will have their opportunity to present to council early in the new year.

The Gazette reached out to the mayor and all five members of council for their thoughts on the shockingly large figure. The theme of the reaction was for residents to get involved in the democratic process.

Natasha Salonen – Mayor

Salonen spent most of her day at the Region of Waterloo in meetings and didn’t have a chance to look at the entire document but said council received it at the same time it was released to the public.

“It’s our first chance to start reviewing it but this is the start of our process and I encourage the public to come out to our budget meetings. I look forward to council and myself learning where staff is coming from and deliberating to finalize a reasonable 2025 budget.”

Stewart Cressman – Ward 1

Cressman wasn’t prepared to discuss the document but admitted Wilmot’s poor monetary situation is a surprise to no one.

“I will reserve my comments until I have had an opportunity to study the budget and gain some degree of understanding from staff and other council members. The severity of our financial situation is no shock.”

Kris Wilkinson – Ward 2

“This is the staff's proposed budget and I haven’t had a chance to fully review it,” he explained.

“My initial reaction is that the people of Wilmot didn’t build their businesses, homes or communities by sending a bill to someone else, they did it through hard work and discipline. I will take the time to review this budget and I’m prepared to put in the hard work to make what I believe will be necessary changes. We need to be focused on the cost of living and how it’s impacting everyone right now.”

Wilkinson added he strongly encourages residents to engage and reach out to members of council.

Harvir Sidhu – Ward 3

In his response, Sidhu was critical of previous employees and elected officials who shoulder the blame for where the township is now.

“This proposed budget from staff outlines years of decisions by staff and councils which have led us to today. Council passed my motion for a line-by-line budget which will help identify areas of concern. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and make the long-needed changes. I encourage all residents to take part and share their views.”

Steven Martin – Ward 4

Martin referred to the upcoming budget meetings and hoped residents will get involved.

“I encourage people to reach out to council with their concerns. There is a one-time levy on capital expenditures and this will need to be debated along with the operating-cost levy. I look forward to healthy discussion in our council meetings as we make the decision.”

Lillianne Dunstall – Ward 4

“I understand this is only a draft, but I was certainly taken aback by the numbers. This council has consistently raised awareness, both to those receptive and those who may not be, about the severity of Wilmot’s financial challenges.”

She added the budget is presented with a detailed line-by-line breakdown, offering an opportunity to identify cost reductions.  

“Tough decisions need to be made, and taxpayers need to engage. I encourage you to attend the discussions in person or watch on YouTube. Stay informed on the decisions being made and share your thoughts or concerns with your councillor. It’s your money,” she added.

Members of the public can provide input on the budget by emailing budget@wilmot.ca, or by registering to delegate at a public delegation night on Jan. 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. Instructions for registering as a delegation are available at www.wilmot.ca/delegation.

A copy of the budget and schedule of upcoming budget meetings is available online www.wilmot.ca/budget. Questions about the budget can be sent to budget@wilmot.ca.