Wilmot Township faces a staff-proposed 51% property tax hike in 2025, prompting council to commission a report analyzing financial decisions over the past 15 years. The move aims to explain how the township reached its current fiscal challenges, though some council members question its necessity.
Councillor Lillianne Dunstall acknowledged that past councils avoided sufficient tax increases, which hindered reserves and deferred critical projects. The proposed hike would add $580 to the township portion of the average homeowner’s tax bill, though it doesn’t include education or regional tax increases.
Councillor Steven Martin voiced concerns about allocating hundreds of staff hours to prepare the report, estimated to be completed by late 2025. However, Councillor Harvir Sidhu emphasized the importance of transparency, especially for new residents like himself, who are now facing steep tax hikes. Sidhu’s motion seeks financial data since 2011, including trends in expenditures, debt levels, and contributions to reserves.
Councillors Kris Wilkinson and Mayor Natasha Salonen noted that many residents struggle to understand available financial data and have called for clarity. Salonen stressed the report should avoid blame and focus on informing future decisions.
Despite the push for transparency, some councillors, including Dunstall, worry about diverting resources toward examining past decisions instead of addressing immediate fiscal challenges. They advocate for focusing on future strategies, such as service cuts, asset sales, and optimizing funding.
While opinions vary, the council acknowledges the need to balance accountability with effective planning to navigate the township’s financial challenges.
