Wilmot residents have their say at budget meeting

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

To say members of Wilmot Township council heard an earful from residents Tuesday night would be a severe understatement.

As residents face a proposed 51 per-cent increase in their property taxes, 19 delegations presented to elected officials while dozens of residents sent their concerns to councillors via email. The message was consistent throughout the night; passing a budget of this magnitude would not be in the best political interest of members of council.

Rory Farnan was the second delegation and was concerned about the cost of living for himself, his family and other residents.

“I am a father of three young, growing children. Food prices are projected to increase this year by three to five per cent. I live in a two-tier municipality where the upper tier just increased its share by 9.48 per cent. I live in a country where a carbon tax is going to further increase the cost of filling up my family minivan and operating my home appliances.”

He added taxpayers are being nickeled and dimed for government to spend at an unsustainable rate. While Farnan understands the need for “corrective action” due to the mistakes of previous councils, he has concerns with burdening the tax base with such a huge tax hike all at once.

“It is important we approach this situation with a fair and balanced plan, considering both the added burden to the taxpayer and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of (the township’s ) finances,” he said.

He added many Wilmot residents are struggling and having to choose between paying their bills or feeding themselves.

“Residents with lower wages and fixed incomes are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their rent or remain in their home. It is your duty to ensure any financial decisions made to not intensify these hardships.”

Councillors also heard from Lorie Le Riche, a 17-year resident of the township who said a one-time boost to capital-infrastructure investment does not seem realistic.

“A long-term plan would be better, as mentioned by others. One of my concerns is if you get this cash injection, could the funds be spent somewhere else? Is it possible to ensure the funds collected for capital investment are only used for that purpose? I have been told it is not,” Le Riche said.

A total of 49 residents provided their concerns by emailing the township, and many of them expressed concern over the hiring process of a new CAO in 2025 and burdening the current tax base with a massive tax hike as opposed to a phased-in approach. Here are some excerpts:

Rosaleen Kelly-Cinc – “Hire a municipal finance expert to conduct a complete audit to identify finance-protocol concerns and recommend best practices to be implemented to avoid future financial dilemmas.”

Scott Flemming – “Look very carefully at how decisions are made and at the advice and information provided by staff, especially the CAO, whose job it is to make available all the information required for the council to make sound decisions. Ensure the screening process for hiring the CAO is appropriate and clarifies the role of the CAO vis a vis the mayor and council.

David Sicso – “As a 30-year resident and taxpayer, I wish you to consider that past township councils over the last 10-15 years gradually buried us into near financial bankruptcy where we now find ourselves. The fix can not be resolved in one single hit to the taxpayers (at 51 per-cent increase). You need to seek a recovery plan that is fiscally responsible, intentional but gradual, i.e. over four to seven years.    

Richard Jacques – So where are the proposed cuts in this draft budget? Trees don’t grow to the sky and, as a pensioner, I don’t have unlimited funds. In fact, I don’t have the lucrative benefits and pensions of municipal employees that you are asking me to pay for. This has to stop and we need to get a handle on the spending of this municipality and the region. It’s high time that we start to balance the approach to the budget process and start looking at how and where we cut expenses like any household is needing to do.

Many residents are also concerned about five new, full-time positions included in the budget and instead want the township to implement a hiring freeze until the financial situation improves.

The next budget meeting is scheduled for Jan. 16 from 2-10 p.m. in council chambers where councillors will have the opportunity have their say. If the document isn’t passed then, an if-needed get-together is set for Jan. 27 from 5-10 p.m.