Chatham-Kent’s proposed tax increase includes an infrastructure component.

Budget Chair Brock McGregor says the increase could be anywhere from 1.7% – 2.03% percent this year, but 1% of that is going to roads and bridges. Another $550,000 is allocated specifically for bridges.

“We’re spending that amount in infrastructure alone. So when we’re looking at our increased investment in infrastructure year over year – this has been a trend over the past few years- we’re spending more on infrastructure every year. These are significant investments. When we look to our community, we’re hearing that message loud and clear that that’s a priority for them,” says McGregor.

He says that although taxes are going up, it’s not unlike any other costs that residents see day-to-day.

“Just like someone’s expenses at their home, when thing’s increase with inflation, we as a Municipality face those cost pressures as well. It’s more expensive to fix roads every year, it’s more expensive to provide services every year. We look at negotitiaing contracts with Emergency Services – those also increase every year. And if you don’t have a whole lot of assessment growth, you can’t make up for that inflationary pressure without increases that or at or near inflation,” explains McGregor.

He says their target during deliberations will be to make sure any increase is responsible.

More information about the budget can be found here.